The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) was alerted Saturday evening to a vessel in trouble southwest of Eddystone Lighthouse, prompting a significant rescue effort. The incident was reported just after 6 p.m. on August 29.
A Coastguard rescue helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft were dispatched to the scene, along with RNLI lifeboats from Falmouth and Plymouth. Local vessels have also joined the response.
Reports from local news outlets suggest the vessel may be a French fishing boat that has sunk, with all five people on board. A French patrol vessel, FS Flamant, has reportedly been deployed from HMNB Devonport to assist in the operation.
The Newquay-based R924 Coastguard helicopter temporarily returned to Newquay Airport to refuel and was expected to rejoin the search and rescue operation. The MCA stated that the incident is ongoing and provided no further information at this time.