RNAS Culdrose in search for missing fishing boat crew

A spokesman said a small vessel was being retrieved from the Eddystone lighthouse area but coastguards have not linked it with the JMT

An air and sea search is under way for a missing fishing boat and its crew of two.

The 11m (36ft) scalloper JMT left Plymouth on Thursday morning but failed to return that night, coastguards said.

A spokesman said a small vessel was being retrieved from the Eddystone lighthouse area but coastguards have not linked it with the JMT.

A rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall and three lifeboats are searching for the boat.

RNAS Culdrose has joined the search for the scalloper and its crew of two

A coastguard spokesman said: "The father of one of the fishermen called UK Coastguard at 8:40pm last night as he was concerned that his son hadn't returned from a fishing trip near Eddystone, Plymouth.

"An extensive search has been carried out which has been co-ordinated by HM Coastguard.

"This morning at around 9:50, debris from a vessel was found. A search of the area continues with RNLI lifeboats from Fowey, Looe and Plymouth all involved.

"The Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter from Culdrose is also searching, along with other vessels in the area."

Kate Dobson of Brixham-based Devon Scallops tweeted: "Praying for the crew of the JMT :-( #neversafe"