Fisherman search called off

An RAF helicopter was involved in the rescue operation

A search and rescue operation was launched in the North Sea after a fishermen fell overboard.

A rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth, two lifeboats and several other vessels searched an area 15 miles east of Aberdeen.

The 33-year-old Lithuanian was wearing just a t-shirt and shorts when he fell from the Hull-registered fishing vessel Westella.

The search was called off late on Monday night.

Aberdeen Coastguard said there was little chance of the man being found alive.

There were no plans to resume a full-scale official search on Tuesday morning, although some vessels may return to sea at first light to look for the body.

The fisherman was reported missing at 1800 BST on Monday.

"The man was last seen about half an hour before the alarm was raised," said Aberdeen Coastguard.

"The Westella retraced its route to search for the crew member."

About a dozen boats joined the search operation, along with lifeboats from Stonehaven and Aberdeen.