Major search for windsurfer missing off Hunstanton coast

The RNLI Hunstanton lifeboat has been involved in the search for the missing windsurfer

A search is under way for a man who has gone missing after going windsurfing.

The man, in his 60s, failed to return home after his trip to Hunstanton in Norfolk on Saturday afternoon.

Police were called at about 17:20 GMT and went to Cliff Parade where they scoured the beach, while HM Coastguard checked the water.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: "The search has been ongoing throughout the night, with aircraft and lifeboats.

"This morning, weather conditions have improved slightly."

Emergency crews are searching for the man in his 60s, who has gone missing off the coast of Hunstanton

A helicopter has also been taking part in the operation, which was due to be replaced by a plane, alongside lifeboats and Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue Team.

The man is believed to have been wearing a black wet suit and was using a wind surfer with a red and white sail.

He is described as white, with distinctive, long blond hair.

Windsurfer Neil Greentree said he had spoken to the missing man just before he went into the sea and had been helping to look for him

Windsurfer Neil Greentree said the sport's local community had rallied together and they had been searching the area for him.

He said he was coming in from windsurfing at the spot when he spoke to the man, who had asked him what the conditions were like.

"He went out well-equipped, so we have all been out looking along the beaches and we live in hope," he said.

"We're a local community, we're a close community, we all look out for each other.

"I think every one of us is concerned. We've been out at first light looking for him, we were out last night and we really do hope that he's found."