Search for missing fisherman underway

A search party are looking for a man who fell overboard in rough seas off the coast of Orkney.

Published 18th Apr 2016

A search party are looking for a man who fell overboard in rough seas off the coast of Orkney.

A mayday call was made on Monday morning at 7:00am.

The UK Coastguard have released a statement: "we're coordinating the search for a missing man after he went overboard from a fishing vessel earlier this morning.

"The fishing vessel made a Mayday broadcast at approximately 7:00am this morning (18 April) reporting that they had a man overboard 20 miles north-west of Orkney. "The UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Sumburgh and Stornoway have been searching the area."

UK Coastguard Commander Tris Newey said: ‘Our helicopters, along with the fishing vessel, have been searching throughout the morning in very rough weather and challenging conditions, but so far the missing man has not been located. The search is continuing."