THE bodies of two french fisherman who went missing after a French fishing boat sank in the English channel have been recovered.
The vessel, which was carrying five people, had reported a problem with its fishing gear and run into trouble off the coast of Plymouth, Devon, on August 29.
Three of the five crew members were rescued by a nearby vessel and a major search operation was launched for the other two but suspended after two days.
Alex Dehays, deputy prosecutor in Saint-Brieuc, said the bodies were found yesterday after weather conditions cleared up allowing divers to resume.
A coastguard helicopter, fixed wing aircraft and two RNLI lifeboats began the “extensive search” near Eddystone lighthouse at around 6pm on August 29.
The huge rescue effort continued through the night, with more than 15 lifeboats and a French warship drafted in.
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A large number of civilian boats, including fishing vessels also joined the efforts – and the French Navy’s Falcon 50 was deployed to the scene.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said in an earlier statement: “HM Coastguard maintained the intensive search during the night and it is continuing today with multiple assets sent to help with the search.
“Three people were rescued last evening from the French-registered fishing vessel which had made the call for help.
“They were taken to hospital for further care. The search is continuing for two further people who remain unaccounted for.
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“The vessel has sunk.”