Lifeboats and helicopters join search for missing fishing boat

UPDATE: HM Coastguard have issued a statement regarding the operation, they say they received a report of an overdue fishing vessel with three people on board around 10am this morning.

“The vessel had departed from Conwy, on the north coast of Wales, yesterday (27th January). The vessel was expected back in port at midnight last night.

“HM Coastguard is currently coordinating an ongoing search and rescue response to locate the vessel. Rhyl, Bangor and Llandudno Coastguard Rescue Teams have been sent to assist along with five RNLI lifeboats from Rhyl, Llandudno & Conwy).”

“The HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Caernarfon is also on scene assisting with searches. A fixed-wing Coastguard aircraft from Doncaster is also proceeding to the scene. Broadcasts have been made to alert vessels in the nearby area.”

Original information below…

A large search and rescue operation is underway off the north coast in an attempt to locate a missing fishing boat and its crew.

Several lifeboat teams were launched this morning around 11am after reports of a fishing boat that had not returned. Search and rescue helicopters are also helping with the search.

The below appeal was made on social media regarding the search: