Search for missing fishing boat

A search and rescue operation has started after a 40ft (12m) steel-hulled fishing boat went missing off the coast of Essex.

Three lifeboats and an RAF search and rescue helicopter from Wattisham Airfield are taking part in the operation off Shoeburyness.

A Thames Coastguard spokesman said the emergency services were alerted at about 1500 GMT.

One man, 47, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, was believed to be aboard the boat.

Thames Coastguard added that weather conditions were severe earlier in the afternoon, but have since calmed down.

The spokesman said: "At 1500 GMT Thames Coastguard was contacted by the father of the skipper of the fishing vessel Louisa reporting the vessel overdue with one person on board.

"He had spoken to his son, at 1245 GMT as the weather worsened, who said he was returning to shore due to the conditions but did not arrive back at Leigh-On-Sea."