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An emergency air and sea search has been launched after a light aircraft was reported missing off the coast of Alderney.
The Piper Malibu is believed to have been flying from France to the UK when contact was lost near Les Casquets, shortly before 21:00 on Monday 21 January.
Two people are believed to have been on board.
Lifeboat crews from Alderney and Guernsey were dispatched at 20:50 and 21:00 respectively after radar contact with the light aircraft was lost.
The Channel Islands Air Search team and a coastguard helicopter, believed to be French, were also sent to the search zone with other resources being flown in to help.
Local observers reported those additional resources included a coastguard helicopter from the UK. As the search continued into a third hour the search and rescue craft were using Guernsey Airport to refuel with further emergency service staff and volunteers being called in as extra resources were called in to help as the search went on.
— Chris T (@Radiosutch299) January 21, 2019
Guernsey Police confirmed the search and rescue operation was underway off the north of Alderney.
The force said the emergency services were scrambled after "a light aircraft disappeared from radar several hours ago. Two helicopters alongside the Guernsey and Alderney lifeboats are searching We will provide more information as it becomes available."
Pictured top: An air and sea search is underway off Alderney.
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