'Heartbreaking' - Everything we know so far as two people remain missing after boat sinks near Newhaven

By Sam Morton
Published 21st Nov 2020, 18:33 BST
Updated 21st Nov 2020, 18:48 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
A major search operation is continuing off the coast in East Sussex this evening, more than 12 hours after a boat sunk with three people on board.

HM Coastguard received an emergency call at 6am this morning (Saturday, November 21), from a fishing vessel, three miles off the coast at Seaford.

Major sea rescue mission near Newhaven - In picturesThree people were initially reported missing but the Coastguard confirmed that one man was recovered from the water by the Newhaven RNLI lifeboat, found clinging to a lifebuoy. He was transferred to hospital.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As of 6.30pm, the two other occupants of the boat remain missing. Newhaven RNLI were filmed continuing the search at 5pm.

In posts on Twitter, Maria Caulfield, Conservative MP for Lewes, described the situation as 'heartbreaking' and 'concerning', adding: "Hope everyone is found safe."

The latest statement form the Maritime and Coastguard Agency read: "The search continues for the two missing crew members after the fishing vessel JOANNA C sank this morning off Newhaven.

"HM Coastguard immediately sent the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd, supported by the Coastguard rescue helicopter based at Lee On Solent and RNLI all weather lifeboats from both Newhaven and Eastbourne.