North Sea fishermen search unlikely to resume

IT IS unlikely a search for two fishermen missing after their trawler got into difficulty in the North Sea will resume today, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said.

The MCA said a further search would only get under way if they had more information. Picture: PA

One person rescued from the water and airlifted to hospital by RAF helicopters yesterday, after the Ocean Way vessel ran into problems off the Northumberland coast, has died.

The MCA said a further search would only get under way if they had more information.

In a statement it said: “Unless further information is forthcoming it is unlikely that the search will resume in the morning.

• A fisherman rescued after an Aberdeenshire trawler got into difficulty in the North Sea has died, it was confirmed last night

“The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.”

In total three people were rescued from the water.

An RAF rescue helicopter was dispatched to the scene while a Norwegian chopper was also sent to help with the search.

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The skipper of the vessel is British while the four crew were Filipino, according to reports. A spokesman for the MCA would not confirm if the person who died was a crew member or the skipper.

The Humber Coastguard said the vessel was last heard from about 100 miles east of the Farne Islands.

It began transmitting an emergency beacon and attempts were made to contact the skipper.

Scotland’s Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead said: “I am very sorry to hear about the loss of the Fraserburgh registered fishing vessel the Ocean Way that has tragically resulted in fatalities.

“This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts are with the loved ones and friends of the crew. This tragedy will be felt by all fishing communities and is a horrible reminder of the dangers our fishermen face day in day out to bring fish to our tables with many paying the ultimate sacrifice.

“I would like to pay tribute to all the personnel involved in the rescue operation.”

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