Hopes are fading for a sailor who disappeared after setting out to spend the night on his boat.

Michael Lister, 60, was reported missing after failing to show up at his mooring off Paglesham Boat Yard in Waterside Lane, Paglesham.

He was last seen at the boatyard on Sunday night, using a dinghy to get to his boat, the Gilly B, where he planned to spend the night.

Now, after a second air sea search, police have admitted hopes of finding Mr Lister alive are fading.

Helicopters from the police and coastguard, officers from the Essex Police marine unit and the Burnham lifeboat searched the area for 24 hours after he was reported missing.

Last night, Essex Police divers searched the area around Mr Lister's boat at low tide.

Inspector John Walker, of Rochford Police, said: "Obviously, the longer this goes on, the more we fear the worst."

If Mr Lister had drowned, his body could take some time to surface due to currents, he added.

Today, police will check points along the coastline where Mr Lister's body or dinghy could have been washed up.

Mr Lister, from Croydon, Surrey, is 5ft 10ins tall, medium build with short grey hair.

He wears a gold neck chain, a black watch strap and gold rimmed glasses. He was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and a red sweater.

The dinghy is a 7ft by 6ft rowing boat called the Pasaina. If you have seen Mr Lister or the dinghy call Rayleigh police on 01268 775533.

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