Published: 21:13 BST, 29 August 2026 | Updated: 22:10 BST, 29 August 2026
A vessel with five people on board is 'in distress' in the English Channel off the coast of Plymouth, with a major rescue mission by the Coastguard underway.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) were alerted by a report that the vessel was in trouble south west of Eddystone Lighthouse just after 6pm on Saturday evening.
A rescue helicopter, a fixed wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats were among the assets seen scrambling to the scene.
More than 15 vessels are now believed to be involved in the search operation, working alongside aircraft.
Other small boats nearby were also captured on maritime tracking apps heading to the scene to help.
The MCA said the incident is 'ongoing', but local news outlet Plymouth Plus reported that a French fishing vessel has sunk with five people on board.
The MCA told the Daily Mail in a statement: 'HM Coastguard is co-ordinating the response to a report of a vessel in distress with five people on board, South West of Eddystone Lighthouse.
'The report was received just after 6pm on August 29.
A rescue mission is ongoing in the English Channel after the Coastguard were reported to a vessel in trouble south west of Eddystone Lighthouse just after 6pm. (Stock image)
Maritime tracking apps showed other boats scrambling to the scene on Saturday evening
French naval vessel FS Flamant (pictured) is also believed to have been deployed to the scene
'A coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft have been sent, together with RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth. Local vessels are also assisting.
'The incident is ongoing and there is no further information at this time.'
French patrol vessel FS Flamant has also been deployed from HMNB Devonport, according to local news reports, while a further aircraft has been deployed from Humberside Airport to assist.
