Fisherman dies after being rescued from North Sea

A fisherman has died after he was rescued from the North Sea.

A major search was launched after another fisherman found an empty vessel just outside Macduff harbour at around 12.40pm on Wednesday.

The HM Coastguard Inverness helicopter, Macduff and Buckie RNLI lifeboats and the Banff Coastguard Rescue Team were involved in the search.

The helicopter spotted the missing 67-year-old fisherman in the water just before 1.30pm and he was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he later died.

Detective Inspector Sam Buchan said: “The family of the man have been advised and my thoughts are with them at this very sad time.”

“Enquiries are being carried out along with our partners from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.”

A number of vessels in the area also joined in the search after responding to a mayday relay broadcast issued by the coastguard.