Channel Search Intensifies for Two Missing Fishermen After Boat Sinks

An urgent search is continuing in the English Channel for two missing crew members after a French fishing boat tragically sank. Three of the five people on board were successfully rescued and have been taken to hospital, but fears are growing for the two still unaccounted for.

The distress call was first issued on Saturday at 6:00 PM BST, leading to an immediate and extensive rescue operation in the waters south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse, off the coast of Plymouth. HM Coastguard in Falmouth confirmed that multiple assets were deployed, including a coastguard rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing plane, and two RNLI lifeboats.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency stated that the search effort is being intensified, with a large number of civilian vessels also joining the operation. An HM Coastguard spokesperson highlighted the deployment of an aircraft equipped with advanced technology, including a multi-function search radar and high-resolution cameras, to aid in locating the missing individuals.

Lifeboat crews from Newlyn and Salcombe have taken over from the Plymouth and Falmouth RNLI teams, who worked tirelessly through the night. Mayday relay broadcasts are also ongoing, urging all vessels in the area to maintain a sharp lookout.

The authorities are committed to continuing the intensive search this afternoon, hoping to bring the missing crew members to safety.

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