Rescue operation over capsized boat called off

Image source, PA

Image caption, Two all-weather lifeboat crews from Larne and Red Bay RNLI stations were involved

A coastguard search launched after a boat capsized off the coast of Larne in County Antrim has been called off after nothing was found.

Lifeboat crews, as well as a helicopter, were deployed to the scene after a report of a upturned catamaran 12 nautical miles (22km) off the Larne coast at about 16:20 GMT on Monday.

After an extensive five-hour search of the area, the operation was stood down.

The coastguard said a vessel fitting the description was reported lost by its owner on 27 October, and no one had been reported missing.

A spokesperson from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) said a coastguard helicopter from Pretswick in Scotland and two P&O ferries assisted in the operation.

Two all-weather lifeboat crews from Larne and Red Bay RNLI stations were also involved in the search.