A search and rescue mission to find a missing sailor from Dedham has been stood down after his boat was found. 

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

The experienced sailor from Dedham was taking part in a solo boat challenge. 

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

It is understood that his boat was found 70 miles north west of Trevose Head on Thursday but Mr Lougee was not onboard. 

The UK Marine and Coastguard Agency has been approached for comment. 

Blood Bikes East, which Mr Lougee volunteered for, said on Facebook: "His yacht has both and emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPRIB) and a personal locator beacon and neither has been activated.

"The latest is that the vessel has been found but not Mr Lougee."

A spokesman for Clarke and Carter, who Mr Lougee worked for, said: "We are deeply concerned for the wellbeing of Duncan.

"On behalf of the entire yachting community here in Suffolk, we would like to express our huge gratitude to the authorities for their ongoing search.

"Our priority at this time is supporting Duncan’s family."