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# French fishing vessel sinks with five people on board off Plymouth coast
- URL: https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/major-rescue-operation-launched-after-vessel-in-distress-off-plymouth-coast/
- Published: 2026-08-29T19:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-29T20:11:17.000Z
- Author: Seamus McCoy
- Tags: Live, News, #editors-picks

A major search and rescue operation has been launched this evening after a vessel was reported in distress off the coast of Plymouth.

Five people were understood to be on board the vessel which made a Mayday call just after 6pm tonight (28 August). 

[HM Coastguard](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/hm-coastguard/) confirmed it is coordinating the emergency response to a vessel in distress South West of Eddystone Lighthouse.

A Coastguard rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have been sent to the scene as part of the response.

[RNLI](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/rnli/) lifeboats from both Plymouth and Falmouth have also been launched to assist alongside local vessels in the area.

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