North Sea search resumes for missing trawlermen

LONDON, Oct 28 (Reuters) Air and sea rescue crews today resumed a North Sea search for crew missing after a Scottish trawler got into difficulty two days ago.

Yesterday one body was retrieved from the sea and rescuers also found the Meridian's distress beacon and an empty life raft.

Searchers are now looking for the Fife-registered trawler's second life raft.

The boat was battered by heavy seas on Thursday night and sent out a distress call at 10 p.m. as the storm grew to gale force 10. The location was 160 miles (257 km) east of Aberdeen in Norwegian waters, which is the focus of rescuers.

Police have named the crew as Martin Gardner, 49, Edward Gardner, 50, Ian Donald, 50 and 52-year-old Sidney Low.

RAF Nimrod Search and Rescue aircraft have been used as have two Sea King helicopters.

The weather has now improved allowing better visibility for search teams.

REUTERS DKB RN1738