Two crew from fishing boat that sunk in the English Channel still missing after three found alive

Three people have been rescued from a vessel “in distress” in the English Channel, the coastguard has said. But two are still unaccounted for.

A rescue was launched to try to help the vessel in trouble south west of Eddystone Lighthouse and off Plymouth, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said.

It was alerted by a report about the vessel just after 6pm on Saturday.

A rescue helicopter, a fixed wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats are among the vessels were all scrambled to the scene.

The MCA said more vessels had joined “an intensive search” which was continuing through the night.

No further details are currently available about the vessel or the nature of the incident.

In a statement, the MCA said: “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.”

It added: “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.”