A north-east man has died after spending almost an hour in the icy North Sea.
A large scale search and rescue operation was launched just outside MacDuff Harbour after a creel fisherman was reported to be missing from his vessel early this afternoon.
HM Coastguard received a call from a fellow fisherman at 12.40pm today reporting the fisherman missing after he found the vessel unoccupied at sea.
Launched from Macduff, Grampian about twenty five minutes ago – https://t.co/m4AeGOrX6u
— RNLI: Out On A Shout (@outonashout) March 27, 2019
The HM Coastguard Inverness helicopter, Macduff and Buckie RNLI lifeboats and the Banff Coastguard Rescue Team are currently involved in the search.
A number of vessels in the area have also joined in the search after responding to a mayday relay broadcast issued by HM Coastguard.
Just before 1.30pm the Coastguard helicopter located the missing fisherman in the water.
Police have confirmed that the man has died.
Detective inspector Sam Buchan said: “The family of the man have been advised and my thoughts are with them at this very sad time.
“Inquiries are being carried out along with our partners from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation branch.
“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course.”