Missing yacht found without skipper
His boat - which left Plymouth on 18 June - has been found without him on board
Last updated 30th Jun 2023
A missing yacht - that left Plymouth on 18 June - has been found without its skipper on board.
Duncan Lougee was taking part in a solo challenge and was due to arrive in Ireland on 22 June.
In a statement, The Coastguard said: "The search for the yacht Minke and its skipper, who was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge, from Plymouth to Baltimore, Ireland, has been stood down.
"The yacht was found yesterday (29 June) approx. 70 miles North West off Trevose Head, Cornwall, sadly the skipper was not on the vessel."
Devon and Cornwall Police say the boat is due to be brought to shore:
A force spokesperson said: "Devon and Cornwall Police are aware that the missing yacht Minke has been located yesterday (29 June).
"It appears that no one was on the vessel and therefore the boats skipper Duncan Lougee remains missing.
"The Minke is due to be brought to shore and Coastguard will continue searches in the area.
"Mr Lougee’s next of kin has been informed of this update."
What happened?
Duncan Lougee set off from Plymouth on 18 June in his boat, The Minke, a 25ft fibreglass folkboat with a white hull and white sails.
He was expected arrive in Baltimore, Ireland four days later, on 22 June, but there's been no contact since he set sail.
The skipper was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge, with a plan to sail the route via the Isles of Scilly.
All other vessels taking part in the challenge are accounted for.
Multiple rescue agencies were involved in the search.