Searches for missing yachtsman stood down
The 70-year-old took off from Plymouth on a solo challenge and was due to arrive in Ireland on 22 June
No further searches are planned for a missing yachtsman whose vessel was found off the Cornish coast.
Duncan Lougee left Plymouth in the yacht Minke on the 18 June.
The yacht was located on Thursday 29 June by Ireland Coastguard, around 70 miles northwest of Trevose Head, Cornwall, but there was no trace of anyone on board.
Detective Inspector Daniel Massey from Devon and Cornwall Police said:
“Yacht Minke has been brought to shore and is currently docked in Padstow Harbour. We continue to liaise with partners including The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and The Coroner’s Office in relation this matter.
“Whilst Mr Lougee remains officially a missing person, responsibility of searches in open water sits with the Coastguard. However, yacht Minke has been missing since it left Plymouth on Sunday 18 June, and initial enquires appear to show no fresh entries in the ships journal for at least nine days.
“Therefore, due to the potentially vast and prohibitive area of search at sea, at this time there is currently no new searches planned by Coastguard.”
A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said:
“Extensive searches were carried out and coordinated by HM Coastguard and the yacht found. The search was terminated once it became clear that the period of survivability had passed.”
DI Massey added:
“This matter will remain under review and if any fresh information comes to light, this will be assessed accordingly. We have informed the family of these initial updates and our thoughts are with them at this time; the family of Duncan Lougee have asked for privacy.”
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.
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