There was a mystery off the south coast of Ireland this afternoon after a missing yacht was found floating in the sea - but with no one on board.
The Minke yacht, skippered by captain Duncan Lougee, departed from Plymouth, in southwest England, 11 days ago on June 18 and was scheduled to arrive in Baltimore, west Cork, four days later but never arrived.
On Thursday, a boat fitting the Minke description was spotted floating in the sea around 120 kilometres off the coast of east Cork and was immediately searched by the Irish Coast Guard.
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Captain Duncan Lougee, aged in his late 60s, was the only sailor on board and had been taking part in the single-handed 'Jester Challenge', planning to sail from Plymouth to Baltimore via the Isles of Scilly.
However, the Irish Coast Guard confirmed that Mr Lougee, the missing Minke skipper, was not found onboard during their search.
In a statement on Thursday, the Irish Coast Guard confirmed the news and said that the UK authorities are continuing to coordinate the operation.
A spokesperson said: “This afternoon MRCC Dublin was advised of a possible sighting of the yacht ‘Minke’ approx. 75 miles South East of Ballycotton, Co Cork.
"The Waterford based Coast Guard helicopter R117, which was 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. R117 has departed the scene.
"As the vessel is positioned in the UK Search and Rescue Region, the UK authorities are continuing to coordinate the operation.”
