Thousands raised as search for missing fishermen off Sussex is called off
Their boat sank off the coast of Seaford on Saturday (November 21st)
The search for two missing fishermen has been called off by Sussex rescue teams, after their boat sank off the coast of Seaford on Saturday morning.
Coastguard teams, lifeboats and members of Sussex Police were among those involved in the search for those on board the 45ft scalloping vessel Joanna C.
At one point 14 vessels were helping with the search after an alert at 6am on Saturday morning - three miles off the coast at Seaford near Newhaven.
In Brixham in Devon, the home of the two missing sailors, residents have been lighting candles in solidarity and thousands of pounds has already been raised for their families.
On Saturday one crew member was found clinging to a lifebuoy and taken to hospital, the search for the remaining two was called off this afternoon.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard confirmed that the search which resumed at 7.30am yesterday (Sunday) and finished at 2.30pm.
A spokesperson added: "Units helping with the search today included Newhaven and Eastbourne RNLI lifeboats and Eastbourne and Birling Gap Coastguard Rescue Teams as well as local fishing vessels.
"Sadly nothing further has been found today."
Speaking after the search yesterday Chris Thomas, Deputy Director of HM Coastguard said:
"It is testament to the local maritime community that HM Coastguard were so admirably supported throughout the day by nearby vessels and the local fishing communities who joined us in force and made strenuous efforts to locate their colleagues during the search.
"At one point, Coastguard coordinators described tracking 14 vessels covering the search plan area including the two RNLI all weather lifeboats at sea."
Thousands of pounds have so far been raised for the families of the crew after a fundraising page was set up by Tony Rowe from Brixham.
On Saturday, while the searches were continuing, Louise Lewis posted on Facebook: "Over 200 Beacons of hope burn bright tonight."
The MP for Brixham has posted online: "My thoughts are with the family and friends of the two crew members of the Joanna C. We are today all mourning their loss and we will come together to support them at this time of tragedy."