'Heartbreaking' - Everything we know so far as two people remain missing after boat sinks near Newhaven

A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a boat sunk with three people on board.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

HM Coastguard received an emergency call at 6am this morning (Saturday, November 21), from a fishing vessel, three miles off the coast at Seaford.

Major sea rescue mission near Newhaven - In picturesThree people were initially reported missing but the Coastguard confirmed that one man was recovered from the water by the Newhaven RNLI lifeboat, found clinging to a lifebuoy. He was transferred to hospital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As of 6.30pm, the two other occupants of the boat remain missing. Newhaven RNLI were filmed continuing the search at 5pm.

In posts on Twitter, Maria Caulfield, Conservative MP for Lewes, described the situation as 'heartbreaking' and 'concerning', adding: "Hope everyone is found safe."

The latest statement form the Maritime and Coastguard Agency read: "The search continues for the two missing crew members after the fishing vessel JOANNA C sank this morning off Newhaven.

"HM Coastguard immediately sent the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd, supported by the Coastguard rescue helicopter based at Lee On Solent and RNLI all weather lifeboats from both Newhaven and Eastbourne.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Birling Gap Coastguard Rescue Team has been sent to check for sightings from the shore.

A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie MitchellA major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

"Other fishing vessels in the area responded to the Coastguard radio broadcasts and have been helping with the search."

The fishing vessel JOANNA C is a 45 foot scalloping vessel, registered in Brixham, and three people were on board at the time of the sinking.

Piers Stanbury, HM Coastguard Controller and the National Maritime Operations Centre said: "Thankfully one of the three people on board at the time of sinking has been pulled out of the water and brought to shore by the Newhaven RNLI lifeboat but the intensive air and sea search for the two missing crew continues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Debris has been located close to location of the EPIRB alert location but no life raft has been found as yet."

A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie MitchellA major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

Another fishing vessel in the area responded to the Coastguard radio broadcasts and helped with the search. The Coastguard rescue helicopter based at Solent also joined the air search.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie MitchellA major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a fishing boat sunk with three people on board. Photo: Eddie Mitchell
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Related topics: