SEARCH FOR TWO FISHERMEN OFF EAST SCOTLAND

A massive air and sea search is taking place for two fishermen missing off East Scotland.

Aberdeen Coastguard was alerted by a member of the public around noon today that a 16ft fishing vessel was two hours overdue.

The search is focusing on an area five miles between Gourdon and Todhead Point and two miles out to sea.

The RAF search and rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth, Montrose all weather and inshore lifeboats, Aberdeen all-weather lifeboat, four local fishing vessels, and coastguard rescue teams from Montrose and Carnoustie are involved in the operation.

Calum McNicol, Watch Officer at Aberdeen Coastguard, said: “We are carrying out an extensive search of an area covering ten square miles.

“Rescue resources were quickly on scene and we have asked vessels in the area to help.

“The sea conditions are moderate and visibility is poor, due to thick fog.”

UPDATE: 20/05/2014 16.10

Search continues and has been extended from two to eight miles offshore.  

 UPDATE: 20/05/2014 21:20

 Due to the fading light and poor weather conditions, the search has been suspended for the night. Another search involving Coastguard rescue teams and lifeboats is planned for first light tomorrow.
UPDATE: 21/05/2014 08:55

The search resumed around 5am today.

Montrose and Aberdeen all-weather lifeboats, Stonehaven inshore lifeboat, and Montrose and Stonehaven coastguard rescue teams were initially involved in searching a five mile stretch of coastline between Gourdon and Todhead Point - and two miles out to sea.

The search area has just extended to a 20 mile stretch of coastline between Stonehaven and Montrose.

The RAF search and rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth is joining the search and vessels in the area have been asked to assist.  The sea is currently calm and visibility is improving.

The missing fishing vessel has been confirmed as the Water Rail.

UPDATE: 21/05/2014 12:25
The search is ongoing.
There have been no sightings of the two missing men, the fishing vessel, debris or any fuel pollution from the boat. 

UPDATE: 21/05/2014 14:45
A Bond search and rescue helicopter - which operates for BP in the North Sea - has joined the search, alongside the RAF search and rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth. 

 UPDATE: 22/05/2014 09.05
A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Aberdeen Coastguard received a report from a fishing vessel that it had found the two fishermen missing off East Scotland safe and well in their boat Water Rail at 8am today.
 
"We are delighted that the missing fishermen have been found and that they will be reunited with their families shortly.
 
"They were discovered about 46 miles South East of Gourdon.
 
"The pair are currently on board the fishing boat which found them and are heading towards land and will be transferred to an all-weather lifeboat or search and rescue helicopter shortly to bring them ashore.
 
"Aberdeen Coastguard has been coordinating an extensive air and sea search for the two missing fishermen. This has included using two search and rescue helicopters, a surveillance aircraft, police helicopter, lifeboats, coastguard rescue teams, and using vessels in the area to assist."

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