Vessel carrying five people ‘in distress’ in the English Channel as coastguard launches major rescue mission

A VESSEL carrying five people is “in distress” in the English channel, sparking a major rescue mission. More than 15 lifeboats have raced to reports of a boat in trouble off the coast of Plymouth at around 6pm. HM Coastguard and a rescue helicopter are among several who have raced into the channel Credit: Getty The boat was in distress near the Eddystone Lighthouse off Plymouth Credit: Wayne Perry – The Sun A helicopter, an aircraft and several lifeboats have plunged into the channel to save the troubled vessel. “HM Coastguard is co-ordinating the response to a report of a vessel in distress with five people on board, south west of Eddystone Lighthouse”, confirmed the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! They added: “A coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft have been sent, together with RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth. Local vessels are also assisting. “The incident is ongoing and there is no further information at this time”. Local paper PlymouthPlus reported that a French fishing vessel sunk off the Plymouth coast. A French warship has also joined the hunt for survivors, according to the outlet. Boats from both Plymouth and Falmouth have also been deployed. Just after 9pm a coastguard helicopter from Newquay that had been scouring the seas for the boat returned to land to refuel. It is expected to rejoin the search party afterwards. Most read in The Sun More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now