Sea search for missing fisherman

Kirkcudbright lifeboat has joined the search Credit: RNLI

An extensive search is being carried out off the coast in Dumfries and Galloway, following the discovery of a fishing boat with no-one on board.

The search began last night after a report of a boat close to a reef was received around 11.15pm at the Isle of Whithorn.

A coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Prestwick, along with a coastguard rescue team and lifeboats Kirkcudbright and Port William are all currently involved in the overnight search.

A yacht reported seeing a boat matching the description earlier in the evening around 7.30pm. There was one man on board at the time.

Ian Guy, duty controller for the UK Coastguard said: ‘We believe the man came up from Lancashire and we know he launched his boat from a Landrover from the harbour nearby.

‘There are obviously serious concerns about this fisherman – there are things on board the boat belonging to the man but no sign of him.

‘If anyone has any information about this man or if it’s you and you are safe, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’