Body Found After Search Involving Navy Warship And Coastguard

A body has been found following a search involving a Royal Navy warship in the sea off the coast of Kent.

HMS Westminster was believed to have responded to a relay alert - following a distress call received by the coastguard at 05:41 on Saturday.

The frigate had been in the area, according to ship-tracking data.

Lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter had also been scouring the sea near Margate Harbour, after reports of a man overboard a ship, according to HM Coastguard.

The search and rescue teams had to contend with rough seas and high winds brought about by Storm Dennis.

A body was pulled from the water after a seven-hour search, an HM Coastguard spokesperson said.

Library image of Type 23 frigate HMS Westminster (Picture: MOD).