Search Called Off for Two Missing Fishermen After Sinking in English Channel

The search for two fishermen who disappeared following the sinking of a French fishing vessel in the English Channel has been formally called off, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) confirmed.

An MCA spokesperson announced on Monday morning that despite "extensive and intensive" searches conducted since Saturday night, "no trace" of the missing crew members had been discovered. The spokesperson stated: "Based on all the information available and the known limits of human survivability in the water temperature, the decision has been taken this morning that the coastguard element of the search for the two missing fishermen has now been officially concluded."

The search, which had been ongoing south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse and just off Plymouth, was launched after a distress call was received from the stricken vessel on Saturday evening. The MCA received notification regarding the vessel shortly after 6pm on Saturday.

French authorities identified the fishing boat as The Maranello, which had contacted a fellow trawler – The Stradale – to report difficulties with its fishing gear. The Stradale successfully recovered three of the five crew members before The Maranello went under, according to the French naval prefecture for the Atlantic.

A major rescue operation was immediately launched, involving a coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth. Nearby boats also assisted with the British-led search-and-rescue mission, and the French Navy dispatched a Falcon 50 aircraft to help.

In a Sunday evening update, the MCA confirmed that the three survivors were en route back to France, having previously acknowledged that the "vessel had sunk". The three rescued crew members were taken to hospital for further care.

The MCA thanked all those involved in the operation for their efforts, adding: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the missing people."