Major search launched in Margate

A Major searching operation involving the Coastguard helicopter. Two  RNLI lifeboats  and Royal Navy has  been launched in Kent.

The search was sparked on Saturday morning after reports of a man falling from  a petrol chemical tanker  into the sea. The search operation is being conducted north of Margate.

Crew onboard altered the coastguard just before 6am advising the man had gone overboard from a liquid petroleum gas tanker that was anchored in the harbour overnight.

Lifeboats are looking up to 8 miles out to sea, while coastguard crews are searching the shoreline.

Storm Dennis is due to bring rain and gales across the south-east of England, with yellow weather warnings in place for wind and rain.

A spokesman for Kent Police said they  received a report at around 9.10am on Saturday 15 February 2020 from Dover Coastguard for the concern for the welfare of man missing from a ship anchored off the coast at Margate. Following a search we have been notified by the Coastguard that a body has been recovered from the sea. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the identity of the man and inform his next of kin.