20/08/2013

Empty Dinghy Sea Search Called Off

A search which was launched following the discovery of an empty dinghy found floating at sea, just off the Northumberland coast, has been called off.

A Dutch fishing vessel spotted the 2m (6.5ft) dinghy drifting some 15 miles at sea at around 7pm on Monday.

The coastguard were joined by RNLI lifeboats and an RAF helicopter in a extensive search for anyone who may have been in the craft.

It is understood that fresh fish, radio equipment and personal belongings were found in the dinghy.

The search was called off just before midnight, with the coastguard saying that they would review the evidence before deciding whether to resume a search.

An additional land search also took place and tried to find a location where the dinghy could have been launched from or may have drifted from.

(MH/JP)

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