A search and rescue mission for a missing Suffolk sailor has been called off as hopes for his survival fade. 

Duncan Lougee who works for Clarke and Carter in Levington has been missing at sea for 12 days. 

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. 

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the missing yacht was located on Thursday by Ireland Coastguard around 70 miles northwest of Trevose Head in Cornwall. 

It appears that no one was on the vessel and therefore the boats skipper, 70-year-old remains a missing person. 

Detective Inspector Daniel Massey said: “Yacht Minke has been brought to shore and is currently docked in Padstow Harbour.

"We continue to liaise with partners including The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Marine Accident Investigation Branch, and The Coroner’s Office in relation this matter.

“Whilst Mr Lougee remains officially a missing person, responsibility of searches in open water sits with the Coastguard.

"However, yacht Minke has been missing since it left Plymouth on Sunday 18 June, and initial enquires appear to show no fresh entries in the ship's journal for at least nine days.

“Therefore, due to the potentially vast and prohibitive area of search at sea, at this time there is currently no new searches planned by Coastguard.”

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said: “Extensive searches were carried out and coordinated by HM Coastguard and the yacht found. The search was terminated once it became clear that the period of survivability had passed.”

DI Massey added: “This matter will remain under review and if any fresh information comes to light, this will be assessed accordingly. We have informed the family of these initial updates and our thoughts are with them at this time; the family of Duncan Lougee have asked for privacy.”