Aberdeen coastguard teams are appealing for information following a search and rescue operation last night.
The four man volunteer crew from Macduff lifeboat launched just after 6pm after several fishing vessels picked up a spoken mayday call around Tarlair in the Moray Firth.
The mayday call stated that there were three persons onboard a vessel and they were abandoning ship. No further transmissions were received for the duration of the search.
Lifeboats from Buckie and Fraserburgh were also launched to join in with the search along with the HM Coastguard helicopter Rescue 951 from Inverness and local Coastguard Coastal Rescue Teams.
Macduff Lifeboat Operations Manager, Roy Morrison said: “This is an extremely worrying situation, we have not been able to find any evidence of a vessel that has sunk or any of the reported three people.
“I would urge anyone who saw anything last night or if anyone has any additional information to call Aberdeen Coastguard.”
He added: “If something is spotted or it is an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, or if you have further information on last nights events you can call Aberdeen Coastguard on 01224 592334.”
