A major search operation was launched this afternoon after plane was feared to have crashed near a seaside town.
The pilot set off a distress signal before the aircraft vanished near Hemsby Gap, Norfolk on Sunday. Searches lasted four hours in the area, which lies several miles north of Great Yarmouth, before being called off.
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Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
‘No evidence’ found of downed aircraft
The search has been cancelled after the Coastguard found “no evidence” of a downed aircraft.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Search lasted four hours
The search, which involved a coastguard helicopter and four lifeboats, lasted around four hours before being terminated.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Police and ambulances were at the scene
Police and ambulance personnel were at the shore before the search was cancelled, local reports said.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Search called off
A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “After a thorough search and following further investigation with no evidence of a missing aircraft, the search has been terminated.”
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Where is Hemsby?
Hemsby Beach is about eight miles north of Great Yarmouth on Norfolk’s eastern coast, and is on the North Sea.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Ships asked to help in search
All ships in the Hemsby Gap area off the Norfolk coast have been asked to respond to the search for the plane.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Not known how many were on board
It has not been confirmed how many people were on board when the plane crashed.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Plane issued a mayday call out at sea
The small aircraft issued a distress call about two to three nautical miles off the coast at 12.34pm, the coastguard said.
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Major search operation launched
Four lifeboats and a helicopter have been deployed to the Great Yarmouth area.