Vessel carrying five people reported 'in distress' in the English Channel off Plymouth - as Coastguard launches rescue mission

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By ELEANOR MANN

Published: 16:13 EDT, 29 August 2026 | Updated: 20:10 EDT, 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. 

It later reported that the French Embassy was aware of the situation and are 'liaising with the families affected'. 

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 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.'

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 

The agency added: 'More vessels have joined the intensive search which remains ongoing and will continue through the night.' 

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. 

RNLI lifeboats from both Plymouth and Falmouth are also believed to be at the scene conducting a search operation. 

Just after 9pm, the Newquay-based R924 Coastguard helicopter was reported to have returned to Newquay Airport to refuel. It is expected to rejoin the search and rescue operation afterwards.