Missing yacht found without skipper

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the missing yacht Minke has been located on Thursday 29 June by Ireland Coastguard, around 70 miles northwest of Trevose Head, Cornwall.

The police say that It appears that no one was on the vessel and therefore the boat's skipper, 70-year-old Duncan Lougee from Colchester, Essex, remains a missing person. Duncan was taking part in a solo boat challenge.

Duncan Lougee is still missing. (Image: SWNS)

Detective Inspector Daniel Massey said: "Yacht Minke has been brought to shore and is currently docked in Padstow Harbour. We continue to liaise with partners including The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and The Coroner's Office in relation to this matter.

"Whilst Mr Lougee remains officially a missing person, responsibility of searches in open water sits with the Coastguard. However, yacht Minke has been missing since it left Plymouth on Sunday 18 June, and initial enquires appear to show no fresh entries in the ship's journal for at least nine days.

"Therefore, due to the potentially vast and prohibitive area of search at sea, at this time there is currently no new searches planned by Coastguard."

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said: "Extensive searches were carried out and coordinated by HM Coastguard and the yacht was found. The search was terminated once it became clear that the period of survivability had passed."

DI Massey added: "This matter will remain under review and if any fresh information comes to light, this will be assessed accordingly. We have informed the family of these initial updates and our thoughts are with them at this time; the family of Duncan Lougee has asked for privacy."