Search for missing crew member off Kent coast stood down this evening

An extensive search for two crewmen who went missing after their fishing vessel capsized last night off the coast of Kent has been suspended this evening.

One crew member was rescued from the upturned hull of the Belgian-registered boat this morning by the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lydd. A second crew member was also rescued from the water later in the day but has since died. The third remains unaccounted for.

Lifeboats from Ramsgate and Harwich have spent the whole day searching an area approximately 20 miles north east of Ramsgate, Kent along with the Lydd helicopter.

Duty controller for the UK Coastguard Kaimes Beasley said: ‘This has been an extensive and comprehensive search of the area. We are standing down the search this evening because of the fading light. It is unlikely that the search will resume in the morning, unless we get further information that will help us find the third crew member.’


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