Coastguard issues urgent appeal to help find a yacht that has been missing for more than a week

Concern is growing for a yacht that has been missing for more than a week.

The coastguard has issued a public appeal to help find 'The Minke' which was due to arrive in Baltimore, Ireland, last Thursday 22 June.

It had departed from Plymouth, Devon, just four days earlier on June 18.

However, there has been no contact with the 25ft fibreglass vessel since it left.

The missing yachtsman has been named as Duncan Lougee.

HM Coastguard says that the skipper of the Minke was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge, with a plan to sail the route via the Isles of Scilly.

All other vessels in the challenge have arrived safely, and the Coastguard is seeking any information from the public about the disappearance.

The Minke is a folk boat with a white hull and white sails. The yacht's sail number is FB597.

A spokesperson said: "HM Coastguard has issued regular broadcasts and liaised with the Irish Coastguard, UK police, and the RNLI.

"If you have any information, please call the Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 01326 317575.

"We urge all water users to keep an eye out and repost this in local water user groups."