Search for missing yacht.

M2 PRESSWIRE-27 October 2008-UK Government: Search for missing yacht(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:27102008

An search is ongoing for a yacht which is missing off the east coast.

The 48 ft sailing vessel 'Calyx of Lolworth' which has seven or possibly eight people on board was reported as missing at 8.15 pm this evening by the wife of one of the crew. She had been watching the yacht's progress on the internet as the crewmember had been plotting it from his laptop onboard. However, the last plot (off the north east coast of Norfolk) was at 9.30 pm last night and she last heard from her husband via text at 11.00 pm when he reported that they were in gale force 8 weather which was "a bit rough".

Humber Coastguard have been working with their colleagues at Yarmouth Coastguard and Forth Coastguard to check all harbours along the east coast of England and into Scotland. There is no sign of the missing vessel. In addition, the Coastguard operations room has attempted to contact the vessel via VHF, MF, digital selective calling (DSC) and Navtex alert, without success. There have also been broadcasts to all vessels in the area, requesting them to keep a look out for the blue and white yacht.

Mike Puplett, Humber Coastguard Watch Manager says:

"We are very concerned for the safety of the crew of 'Calyx of Lolworth' There has been no word from them in over 24 hours (the yacht's progress had been plotted in every 30 minutes) and all attempts to contact them have been fruitless. At the moment we are working on the possibility that their vessel may have become dismasted and that they may not be able to communicate or that they have suffered some kind of engine problem which may have resulted in them drifting out of range.

"Military fixed wing aircraft and helicopters have been alerted with a view to searching a large area of the North Sea.

'Calyx of Lolworth' left Brighton on Wednesday bound for Port Edgar in the Firth of Forth.

((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).