27/10/2006

Wreckage found in search for lost fishing boat

Search teams looking for a fishing boat in the North Sea have found a life raft and debris, it has been reported.

The search was launched last night when RAF Kinloss picked up a distress call from a vessel called the Meridian. Four crew members are understood to be on board - three from Anstruther and one from Aberdeen.

The signal was received at 160 miles east of Aberdeen on the boundary line with the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

An RAF Nimrod Search and Rescue aircraft was sent from Kinloss, while another aircraft, a Sea King helicopter was scrambled later.

Three other fishing boats have also joined in the search, which is being conducted in storm force 10 conditions with winds gusting up to 80mph.

It is understood that the Meridian had two lifeboats on board, while the crew also had survival gear to protect them from the freezing water.

(KMcA)


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