The search for a fisherman who fell overboard from a boat near Orkney has been called off.

The coastguard was alerted by a mayday call from the Apollo 20 miles north west of Orkney at 7am on Monday.

Helicopters from Sumburgh and Stornoway led the search, joined by military aircraft which were in the area to participate in Operation Joint Warrior.

The operation was stood down shortly before 4.30pm with the agreement of the Apollo's remaining crew.

UK Coastguard duty controller Angus MacIver said: "Despite an intensive air and sea search involving the fishing vessel and aircraft rescue resources from Scotland and international military agencies, the missing man has not been located.

"The fishing vessel is returning to harbour and our deepest sympathies are with the family and remaining crew."

A spokesman for the Royal Navy added: "Two aircraft involved in the ongoing Joint Warrior exercise were re-tasked to the area to join the search of the missing man from the fishing vessel Apollo.

"A DA 20 was taking part in the search this morning after being diverted from the Joint Warrior exercise and a US Navy P8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft flew from RAF Lossiemouth after being immediately re-tasked to join the search."

A navy helicopter participating in Operation Joint Warrior also helped with the search for the missing skipper of the Louisa at the weekend.

Chris Morrison, 27, and Martin Johnstone, 29, were both lost when the crab trawler went down south of Barra on April 9. Paul Alliston, 42, remains missing, while Lachlan Armstrong, 27, survived by swimming to shore.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched separate inquiries into both incidents.

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