MARITIME AND
COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (184-08) issued by The Government
News Network on 30 June 2008
At 11.15 this
morning (Monday) Falmouth Coastguard received a call from a
fishing vessel, the 'Maria Louise' reporting that they
had come across an abandoned vessel drifting 23 miles West North
West from Trevose Head.
Falmouth Coastguard scrambled Rescue Helicopter 193 from RNAS
Culdrose, and requested the launch of St Ives RNLI lifeboat to the
scene to begin the search. A passage lifeboat, and HMS Severn, a
naval vessel operating in the area, have also joined the search.
Further investigations yielded that there had been one person on
board the vessel 'Midnight Oil,' which is an ex
ship's lifeboat, and that the vessel had last been seen
leaving Milford on the 28th June. Clothing and belongings were
found on board the vessel.
The search is currently ongoing, with Falmouth Coastguard
coordinating and Brixham Coastguard providing assistance.
Peter Davies, Brixham Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Manager said:
"Falmouth Coastguard are currently coordinating a search for
the man who was previously on board the abandoned vessel
'Midnight Oil'. The man has not been seen since the
vessel left Milford on the 23rd and we are extremely concerned for
his safety, with all resources undertaking an intensive search and
fishing vessel Maria Louise standing by the vessel.
We would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the
public to always make someone ashore aware of both your itinerary
and movements when undertaking any journey, especially a solo
expedition, and to always wear a lifejacket."
Press releases and further information about the Agency is
available on the Web at http://www.mcga.gov.uk