Coastguard rescue mission launched after overturned boat spotted off Norfolk coast

A search and rescue mission was launched off the East coast after an overturned boat was spotted floating in the North Sea.

A helicopter taking workers to an offshore rig spotted the upturned vessel off the coast of Happisburgh in Norfolk at 10.30am on Thursday.

The coastguard helicopter and Caister lifeboat were sent to the spot where the boat had been seen.

A rigid inflatable boat had been found by 2pm, but there was no sign of anyone nearby, said a spokesman for the coastguard.

No distress call had been received and the name of the vessel was not yet known, he added.

It is not known if anyone was on board.

The search was called off shortly before 4pm, said the coastguard.

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