Man in 70s lost at sea off Devon coast
He is still missing after a boat sunk off Berry Head on Friday - one person was rescued
Last updated 21st May 2023
Rescue teams are still searching for a man who is still missing after a boat reportedly sunk off the Devon coast on Friday evening (May 19).
In a statement from Devon and Cornwall police last night (May 20), a spokesperson added: "Police received a report yesterday 19 May of a small vessel sinking around eight miles off the coast of South Devon earlier in the day.
"The Coastguard have reported that they have recovered one man from the water who was checked over by the Ambulance Service; however one man in his 70s still remains outstanding at this time. His next of kin have been informed.
"Devon & Cornwall Police are now investigating this matter in consultation with the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB) and enquiries are ongoing."
Searches had been taking place all day for the missing person on Friday, with HM Coastguard saying the alarm was raised at 10:30am.
Rescue teams were called out - including the search and rescue helicopter, the HM Coastguard's fixed wing aircraft, and the RNLI's all weather lifeboat team - but the missing person hasn't yet been found.
One other person has been rescued - South Western Ambulance Service says no-one's been taken to hospital.
In a statement on Friday, a spokesperson from the HM Coastguard said: "HM Coastguard coordinated an extensive search today after a small vessel with two people on board was reported to have sunk off the coast of Torquay.
"The alarm was raised at about 10.30am, prompting the immediate launch of the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent, and the RNLI all-weather lifeboat from Torbay.
"During the search nearby vessels assisted alongside Exmouth RNLI all-weather lifeboat, HM Coastguard’s fixed wing aircraft, and the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from St Athan.
"One casualty was rescued by lifeboat and passed into the care of Devon and Cornwall Police and the South Western Ambulance Service.
"After thorough searches conducted by all assets, the Coastguard search was terminated at around 7pm."