The UK Coastguard is requesting information from members of the public after a catamaran dinghy was found upturned by a merchant vessel, 25 miles north east of North Foreland.
The Coastguard helicopter from Lydd, Margate Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI lifeboats from Ramsgate and Margate searched throughout yesterday afternoon and evening but no sign was found of a missing person.
Margate lifeboat was able to right the Hobie Cat and recovered some personal belongings: a black North Face rucksack containing clothes, maps and a small quantity of cash on board the vessel, which has the serial number 7064-1999.
Frank O’Neill, Senior Watch Manager said despite an extensive search for a missing person on Saturday, they had been unable to locate anyone.
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Coastguard rescue teams conducted a shoreline search yesterday to try and gather more information. Kent police are also carrying out investigations.
The Hobie Cat catamaran found off the Kent coast. Credit: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
A police spokesman said the Hobie Cat was being kept at the Port of Ramsgate, adding: ‘Our officers are growing increasingly concerned for whoever may have been sailing the vessel and are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference 26-1235.’