Creel boat fisherman dies after being pulled from sea

A fisherman has died after being pulled from the water off the east coast of Scotland.

The 64-year-old was reported missing at around 4.30pm on Sunday after an empty creel boat was found a mile north-east of Torness, East Lothian.

A major search was launched involving a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter, two lifeboats from Dunbar, one from St Abbs and local fishing vessels.

A Coastguard spokesman said the helicopter crew winched the man from the water at around 5.50pm and attempted to resuscitate him as they flew to hospital.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Around 6.05pm on Sunday, May 2, police were called to a report of a man having fallen into the sea from a fishing vessel near Torness.

“Emergency services attended and a 64-year-old man was recovered from the sea.

“He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he was pronounced dead.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The Dunbar all-weather lifeboat crew recovered the boat and towed it to the town’s harbour.

A Dunbar Lifeboat spokesman said: “Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the person involved.

“We would also like to thank the fishing vessels who helped enormously with the search operation.”