Major Search Underway for Missing Aircraft That Sent Panicked Mayday Call Before Vanishing Near UK Beach
A major rescue operation is underway after an aircraft sent a mayday distress call before disappearing off the coast of Hemsby Gap in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
The mayday beacon was triggered at approximately 12:34pm today (Sunday), prompting an urgent multi-agency search and rescue response.
According to Humber Coastguard, the aircraft had been visible on tracking systems above the sea, but has since vanished from radar. Its last known location is believed to be between two and three nautical miles offshore.
Lifeboats and Helicopter Deployed in Ongoing Search
Four lifeboats from Hemsby are currently conducting a “boxed search” of the area, supported by a rescue helicopter. The operation is expected to continue “for a while”, officials said.
A spokeswoman for Hemsby Lifeboat station confirmed:
“We are still doing a search of the area, a boxed search. The last known location is two to three nautical miles offshore at Hemsby Gap.”
Emergency services, including Norfolk Constabulary and ambulance crews, arrived at the scene just before 4pm.
At this stage, it is not known how many people were on board the missing aircraft, and no details have been released regarding the make or model of the plane.
Public Urged to Stay Clear of Search Zone
Beachgoers and residents are being asked to avoid the immediate shoreline near Hemsby Gap to allow emergency teams full access.
As of this afternoon, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or wreckage found. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a crash, and the operation remains a search and rescue mission.
FlightRadar Disappearance
Online flight tracking platform FlightRadar24 confirmed that the aircraft was briefly seen in the air above the North Sea before suddenly disappearing from radar shortly after the distress signal was issued.
The incident has sparked concern among aviation authorities, who are working to verify flight logs and communications from nearby aircraft that may have witnessed the event.
Anyone with information or who witnessed anything unusual along the coast today is urged to contact Norfolk Police on 101.
