Search over sea debris suspended

A large search operation has been suspended

A large search operation, which started about five miles off the north Antrim coast after wreckage from a boat was found, has been suspended.

Lifeboats from Portrush and Islay in Scotland, two helicopters and an RAF search plane combed the area after debris was found by a fishing boat.

The Coastguard is now contacting harbours and marinas in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

It is trying to establish if any boats have been damaged.

The debris found is believed to include fibreglass pieces, a fender buoy and what is believed to be part of a roof from a type of cabin cruiser.

It was found twelve miles northwest of Rathlin Island by the fishing vessel, Winsome, which assisted in the search.

The find was reported to the Coastguard at about 1215 BST on Tuesday.

The Coastguard has appealed for information from members of the public who may know of anyone who was planning to travel in this area.