Search operation called off

The search for a crewman who went overboard from a fishing vessel off Orkney earlier today has been called off.

The UK Coastguard co-ordinated what it described as “a cumulative and extensive search operation” which involved the Coastguard search and rescue helicopters based at Sumburgh and Stornoway, and two military aircraft – a French Dassault Falcon and a US P8 Poseidon fixed wing aircraft – which were operating in the area in a joint military exercise.

After talking to the crew of the fishing vessel Apollo, and with their agreement, the Coastguard has ended the search for the missing man.

UK Coastguard duty controller Angus MacIver said: “Despite an intensive air and sea search involving the fishing vessel and aircraft rescue resources from Scotland and international military agencies, the missing man has not been located.  The fishing vessel is returning to harbour and our deepest sympathies are with the family and remaining crew.”