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Search launched for missing skipper after boat wreckage washes up on Cornwall beach | News UK
Concerns are mounting for a skipper who vanished before the wreckage of his boat washed up on a beach in Cornwall.
Devon and Cornwall Police have issued an appeal for help to the community after David Fretwell was reported missing.
The 75-year-old was reported missing after his boat, Green Goddess, washed up in the Hayle area on Friday.
Three coastguard vessels, two RNLI lifeboats and a helicopter were scrambled to Mexico Towans beach after David’s boat was discovered all smashed up with its contents strewn across the sand.
People living nearby began to find parts of the hull, lifejackets, tins of paint coatings, gas canisters, personal belongings and even a seat, standing upright in the sand.
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The bulk of the debris was strewn around the Mexico Towans area of the beach, close to the Beachside Holiday Park.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: ‘A sailing vessel was reported to HM Coastguard at about 8.05am on Friday, March 6, to have broken up on the shoreline at Hayle beach, with no sign of any person on board.
‘Coastguard Rescue Teams from St Ives, Portreath and Penzance were sent to check for anyone in distress, as well as an HM Coastguard helicopter and two RNLI lifeboats from St Ives. Devon and Cornwall Police were also informed.
‘Searches did not locate any person in distress. HM Coastguard stood down its response at about 2.30pm, pending any new information.’
David is believed to have travelled along the north Cornwall coast via boat, passing Padstow and Newquay before arriving in the St Ives area on Wednesday last week.
He is described as a white male, of slim build, with short grey hair and approximately 5ft 7in.
Devon and Cornwall Police have urged anyone who has seen David to call the police with information.
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