An urgent search and rescue mission is underway to find a missing sailor who has been lost at sea for 11 days. 

Duncan Lougee who works at Clarke and carter in Levington, near Ipswich, was taking part in a solo boat challenge. 

Mr Lougee from Dedham left Plymouth on his boat The Minke - a 26ft Varne folkboat - at midday on June 18 and was expected to arrive in Baltimore, Ireland on June 22. 

There has been no communication from the skipper since his departure, and six days after the vessel was due at her destination there has been no sign of it.

Mr Lougee was taking part in the single-handed Jester Challenge.

All other challenge vessels are accounted for.

Mr Lougee has been described as about 6ft 1ins and likely to be wearing glasses, musto oilskins and waterproof boots. 

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Crosby in Liverpool said: "The Minke left Plymouth on June 18 and was expected to arrive in Baltimore, Ireland, on June 22.

There has been no contact since departure, however, and as of today (Wednesday, June 28) she is six days overdue."

When approached for a comment a spokesman for Clarke and Carter said: "Our priorities are with the family of Duncan and we will not be commenting further at this time."

Mr Lougee has been described as a "classic yacht expert and also a very experienced single handed sailor," according to Clarke and Carter's website. 

In 2010 he took part in the Jester Challenge sailing single handed from Plymouth to Newport, Rhode Island in his Rustler 31.