Search and rescue operation underway for three people missing at sea near Port Lincoln

A large rescue mission is underway to find three fishermen lost at sea.

A fishing vessel issued a distress signal 50km off the coast of Port Lincoln, South Australia, just after 8.30pm on Monday.

About 2am on Tuesday, PolAir found an upturned boat near Spilsby Island.

It’s understood five people were onboard at the time.

One man and a youth were found on a reef and winched to safety.

A large rescue mission is underway to find three people lost at sea after their boat was found upturned near Spilsby Island

They have since been taken to hospital for treatment. 

Three people remain missing. 

Numerous messages across marine radio channels have alerted vessels with many now taking part in the search.

Cruiseliner the Pacific Explorer, which had just left Adelaide, has also joined the search party.

The massive effort is being co-ordinated by the Police Water Operations Unit, Port Lincoln Police, as well as local Sea Rescue.

A number of aircraft have left Adelaide Airport to join the search, including PolAir and a Challenger aircraft from AUSSAR.

A number of aircraft have left Adelaide Airport to join the search, including PolAir and a Challenger aircraft (pictured) from AUSSAR

A number of aircraft have left Adelaide Airport to join the search, including PolAir and a Challenger aircraft (pictured) from AUSSAR

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