Woman Missing Off South West Coast Named

Air and sea rescue teams are searching for a 65-year-old yachtswoman who is reported missing off the Devon and Cornwall coast.

Ona Unwin left the Cornish port of Mousehole to head around the foot of the county and north to Bideford in Devon at around 6.30pm on Saturday.

Falmouth Coastguard said the woman failed to make contact with relatives on Sunday evening as expected.

Neither the skipper nor her 31ft yacht have been seen since the alarm was raised, the coastguard said.

Three RNLI lifeboats from Penlee, Sennen Cove and St Ives are searching for the missing yacht.

An air search by rescue helicopters from RNAS Culdrose and RAF Chivenor also joined the search at first light.

Coastguard rescue officers from north Cornwall and north Devon were conducting a shoreline search.

Steve Huxley, search and rescue communications manager with Falmouth Coastguard, said: "The woman departed Mousehole on Saturday evening on board her newly purchased vessel.

"We understand that she was heading for Bideford.

"We have been unable to find her and are very concerned for her safety."

Anyone who may have seen the missing yachtswoman should contact Falmouth Coastguard on 01326 317 575.