Searches off Lewis after distress beacon detected

Image source, Nigel Millard/RNLI

Searches have been made off the Western Isles after a report of an activated distress beacon.

The coastguard said it believed the beacon to be about 64 miles (103km) north west of the Butt of Lewis.

Stornoway lifeboat and a coastguard helicopter and fixed wing aircraft have been involved in searches made since the alarm was raised at 01:30.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said nothing had been found so far despite an extensive effort.