A MISSING Leigh fisherman has been declared lost at sea following a search of his wrecked boat.

The Port of London Authority launched a salvage operation to bring up the wreck of the 40ft steel-hulled trawler Louisa belong to Colin Dolby.

The boat was lifted from the seabed and after an initial search it was removed to dry dock for closer inspection. Police confirmed this afternoon that Mr Dolby had not been found on board.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is now investigating.

Helen Cook, spokesperson for Essex Police, said: "Port of London Marine Services salvage experts have been handling the salvage operation.

"Divers attached chains to boat and winched it up from the seabed. They removed part of the gantry from the boat, including the mast and communications equipment and pumped out water from the boat.

"It has been confirmed the missing man was not in the wheelhouse or the cabin."

The boat was taken to dry dock at Kent to enable a final check of the engine room.

She added: "The search continues for the missing skipper. The Marine Accident Investigation Board is working with police and other agencies to investigate the accident."

Metropolitan police divers found the father-of-four's boat on the sea bed yesterday morning.

It went missing off Shoebury on Monday afternoon. Mr Dolby had called his father to say he was returning to his Leigh mooring but failed to show up.

Following an initial air-sea rescue operation, Mr Dolby was declared missing presumed dead.

Investigators would like anyone who saw the boat on Monday to contact the Essex Marine Unit 01621 782121