A FISHERMAN is still missing at sea after a major search was called off.

The man is missing after he was reported to have gone overboard from a fishing vessel in the English Channel.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said a Mayday call was received at 12.40pm reporting he had fallen into the water in French waters about 30 miles south of Newhaven

RNLI lifeboats from Eastbourne, Newhaven and Shoreham and the UK Coastguard helicopter were involved in the search.

At 9pm last night, the search was suspended, according to the UK Coastguard.

Matt West, duty controller for the UK Coastguard said: "Following a comprehensive search effort in the area with nothing found, a decision has been taken to suspend the search pending any further information."

The French Coastguard was also involved in the search.