Fears for missing fisherman – Fishupdate.com

Fears for missing fisherman Published:  13 December, 2006

HOPES are fading for a man lost overboard.At 12.43pm yesterday, Portland Coastguard were contacted by the fishing vessel Quarter Bell reporting that the fishing vessel Portland Isle had a man overboard, two nautical miles South of Portland Bill.

Portland Coastguard immediately scrambled a Coastguard rescue helicopter and requested the launch of Weymouth RNLI all weather lifeboat.

The Weymouth RNLI inshore lifeboat and four Royal Naval surface vessels also joined the search.

After over five hours of searching, with the onset of darkness, the search was scaled back.

A final search by the helicopter using Forward Looking Infra Red technology has just been completed with nothing found.

Mark Rodaway, Duty Senior Coastguard Officer for Southern England, said: “Despite the intensive air and sea search throughout the afternoon and evening the missing fisherman has not been located. With continuing poor weather and given the cold water temperature the chance of a successful outcome is unlikely.

“Portland Coastguard is now working closely with the Dorset Police who will take over primacy as the search and rescue operation moves to one of search and recovery. However, the Coastguard will continue to support the operation.

Clearly our thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this difficult time.”

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