Man overboard near Blyth harbour

London, 4 March/GNN/ -- MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty Press Notice) issued by The Government News Network on 4 March 2008 At 16.52 today Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centr

Humber Coastguard requested the launch of Rescue 131 Helicopter from RAF
Boulmer and RNLI lifeboats from Cullercoats, Newbiggin, Tynemouth and Blyth.
Blyth Rescue Offshore Lifeboat was also launched.

All search and rescue resources are currently on scene and covering the
allotted search area. The "Smit Dee", and fishing vessels "Bonna Venture"
and "Aquarius" are also assisting. Helicopter Rescue 131 performed an
overhead search, using its FLIR (Forward Looking Infra Red) as a search aid,
returning to base at 19.30 after completing its search.

The missing man is reported to be from the Philippines, and fell overboard
when a steel wire on board the vessel snapped.

Weather on scene is force 6 winds, with moderate sea conditions and choppy
waves.

Humber MRCC Watch Manager Tony Tuton said:

"The search is still ongoing for a missing fisherman near Blyth Harbour.

The fisherman on board was wearing oilskins but no lifesaving appliance, which
would greatly increase his chances of survival in the water. There are many
lifejackets on the market that, whilst being light and easy to wear whilst
working on deck, provide full buoyancy and would significantly improve the
likelihood of survival in a man overboard situation. Although there are no
regulations requiring fishermen to wear lifejackets we would always recommend
that they do so whilst on deck."

For further information please contact
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on:
(023) 8032 9401
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the
Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

Source: Maritime and Coastguard Agency

2008-03-04 17:12:10 0304680 PRNEWSWIRE