Rescue 117 locates yacht which went missing on journey to Cork but skipper not on board

Duncan Lougee and his yacht 'Minke' were due to arrive in Baltimore, West Cork on June 23. Picture: Facebook

Rescue crews searching for an English sailor who went missing on a journey to West Cork located and searched his yacht this afternoon, but found no one on board. 

Duncan Lougee from Suffolk set sail from Plymouth on June 18. He was taking part in the 2023 Jester Challenge - a non-racing 250 nautical mile sail to Baltimore in West Cork, via the Isles of Scilly. He was last seen near the Helford River in the south of England on the afternoon of Monday, June 19.

He had been due to complete the challenge and arrive in Baltimore on June 23. All of the other 42 vessels taking part in the challenge have been accounted for.

Mr Lougee was sailing aboard his 25-foot fibreglass Varne folkboat, 'Minke' which has a white hull and white sails. Its sail number is FB597. 

The yacht was equipped with an EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Beacon) and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) device, neither of which have been activated.

This afternoon, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Dublin was advised of a possible sighting of the 'Minke' approximately 75 miles south east of Ballycotton. 

A Coast Guard spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that the Waterford based Coast Guard helicopter R117, which had been conducting a search in the vicinity, was immediately tasked to the scene. 

A crew member from R117 boarded the vessel and conducted a visual check. Unfortunately the missing skipper was not onboard.

The spokesperson said that the R117 has now departed the scene, and as the vessel is positioned in the UK Search and Rescue Region, the UK authorities "are continuing to coordinate the operation."

Earlier, Mr Lougee's family issued an appeal for information amid fears for his safety.

Apost on social media shared on his family's behalf read: "On behalf of the family, please look out for Duncan Lougee who has been missing at sea off the south coast since 18 June.

"Any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is desperately needed.

"As you can imagine, his family are frantic."

Mr Lougee is described as being 6ft1 white male with glasses, aged in his late 60’s.

When he was last seen, his family say that he was most likely wearing musto oilskins and waterproof dubarry boots. They say that he is a fit and healthy individual, and an experienced sailor and boatbuilder. He has previously completed a trip across the Atlantic, sailed from Plymouth to the Azores three times, and sailed from England to Baltimore before.

Any with any information has been asked to urgently contact Falmouth Coastguard on 01326 317575.