Search for missing fisherman called off

THE SEARCH for a fisherman who went overboard 60 miles to the west of Shetland early on Monday morning had to be called off after 12 vessels taking part in the search could find no sign of him.

The man had been working on the deck of the Falmouth-registered Spanish fishing boat Cantara, which was operating west of Eshaness at the time, and it is believed he was struck by fishing gear before going overboard at 4.30am.

Several boats joined the search along with Shetland coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter and a fisheries protection vessel, but they were eventually stood down at around 1pm on Monday.