Search underway for fisherman missing in Irish sea

A search and rescue operation was under way today after a crewman fell overboard from a fishing boat in the Irish Sea.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the fisherman, who was not wearing a lifejacket, was reported missing by worried colleagues at around 2.29am.

He was last seen on board the boat around 1.2 miles (1.9km) west of the Isle of Anglesey's South Stack at 12.45am.

RNLI lifeboats, a rescue helicopter scrambled from RAF Valley and other fishing boats are involved in the search, which is covering an area of 50 square miles (129.5 sq km) and being co-ordinated by Holyhead Coastguard.

Jim Green, Holyhead Coastguard watch manager, said: "Every effort has been made to try and locate this missing crewman."

PA