A rescue operation is under way in the English Channel after a vessel carrying five people was reported to be in distress south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse, off Plymouth, on Saturday evening. The incident matters because multiple Coastguard, RNLI and local maritime assets have been deployed, while the condition of those on board has not been confirmed.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency received the report shortly after 6pm on 29 August and sent a rescue helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft and RNLI lifeboats from Plymouth and Falmouth. Local reports suggested a French fishing vessel may have sunk and that the French patrol vessel FS Flamant had been deployed, though the MCA had not confirmed this; a Coastguard helicopter returned to Newquay to refuel shortly after 9pm before expectedly rejoining the search.