Search launched for two Britons on missing yacht

Updated

A search operation is under way to find two Britons lost at sea between Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The Foreign Office said it was "liaising urgently" with local authorities after a yacht carrying the pair went missing as it travelled to Subic Bay, north west of Manila.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We can confirm a yacht with two British nationals on board has gone missing between Hong Kong and Subic Bay.

"We are liaising urgently with the local authorities concerning search and rescue operations and provide support to the families."

The Philippine coastguard said the Europa yacht, which was also carrying an American, a Canadian and a Filipino, disappeared at the time a storm was affecting the region last week.

Philippine coast guard spokesman Armand Balilo said the vessel left Hong Kong on Thursday and failed to arrive in Subic Bay as expected over the weekend.

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club said an emergency radio beacon was activated on the yacht on Saturday, indicating it was experiencing difficulties.

A Hong Kong aircraft was dispatched and vessels in the area were alerted.

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