Search called off for man who fell overboard from a vessel in the North Sea

Search and rescue teams have called off their search for a man who fell overboard from a vessel in the North Sea.

HM Coastguard received a distress alert at around 8.15am on Thursday from the vessel 35 miles north-east of Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire.

An HM Coastguard rescue helicopter, an HM Coastguard fixed-wing aircraft, RNLI Fraserburgh and Peterhead lifeboats, an oil and gas rescue helicopter and nearby vessels all scoured the area throughout the day on Thursday in an effort to locate the man.

However the search was called off just after 8.30pm without the individual having been located.

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Steven McDonald, area commander for Aberdeenshire North, said: “Around 9am on Thursday August 15 2024 we were made aware of a 23-year-old man having gone overboard from a vessel in the North Sea, 35 miles north east of Fraserburgh.

“A search and rescue operation was carried out by HM Coastguard but the man remains missing. His next of kin are aware.

“Police inquiries remain ongoing but there are no apparent suspicious circumstances.”