Searches are continuing for two crew members after a French fishing boat sank in the English Channel, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

A coastguard rescue helicopter, fixed-wing plane and two RNLI lifeboats began searching an area south-west of Eddystone Lighthouse off Plymouth after the crew released a distress call at 18:00 BST on Saturday.

HM Coastguard in Falmouth said three people were rescued from the boat and have been taken to hospital.

A large number of civilian vessels are assisting the “intensive search” for the two remaining crew members, an HM Coastguard spokesperson added.

They also confirmed that the search is continuing this afternoon.

They said: “An HM Coastguard aircraft equipped with the latest technology including a multi -function search radar and high resolution cameras has been sent.

“Mayday relay broadcasts are continuing, requesting vessels in the area to keep a sharp lookout.”

Lifeboat crews from Newlyn and Salcombe have taken over the search from the Plymouth and Falmouth RNLI crews, who worked through the night.

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