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Belgian boat reported missing in English Channel Fishing boat missing in English Channel
(35 minutes later)
Helicopters and a lifeboat are searching in the English Channel for a boat reported missing off the Kent coast. Two lifeboats and a coastguard rescue helicopter are searching the English Channel for a fishing boat reported missing in the Strait of Dover.
The owner of the Belgian registered vessel reported he had been unable to contact his boat "since lunchtime". The Belgian-registered vessel is known to have four people on board, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
A spokesman for Dover coastguards said two helicopters and a lifeboat were searching for the boat about 10 miles off the coast at Dungeness. The Dover and Dungeness lifeboats and helicopter were searching for the boat about 10 miles off the Kent coast.
Conditions at sea are reported to be "difficult". A French search and rescue helicopter joined the mission, in conditions described as "very challenging".
The owner of the boat said he had not had contact with the crew "since lunchtime".
A coastguard spokesman said: "The coastguard has notified other vessels in the surrounding area to remain vigilant and contact them if they locate anything.
"The weather conditions on scene are very challenging, with rough seas and gale force winds."
The Dutch coastguard said the Belgian fishing boat had a Dutch skipper. The three crew members are Dutch, Portuguese and Belgian.