Bodies of Two Fishermen Found After Trawler Sank

French prosecutors confirmed that the bodies of two fishermen, missing since their trawler, the Maranello, sank in the English Channel, were recovered by divers. Alex Dehays, deputy prosecutor in Saint-Brieuc, stated that the remains were found on Saturday after improved weather conditions allowed search teams to return to the area.

The Maranello sent a distress call at approximately 18:00 BST on August 29, reporting issues with its fishing gear while operating off the coast of Plymouth. A nearby vessel, the Stradale, responded and rescued three of the five crew members before the Maranello sank.

A major search and rescue operation was initiated in the waters south-west of the Eddystone Lighthouse, involving HM Coastguard and RNLI lifeboats, but was suspended after two days due to deteriorating conditions. Once weather improved, divers were able to recover the bodies, concluding the search operation.

No further information about the deceased fishermen was provided by prosecutors.