A huge search-and-rescue operation has resumed this morning for a 51-year-old man who was swept into the sea as he stood spreading ashes on the Cornish coast on Saturday afternoon.

Falmouth Coastguard air and sea rescue crews are now searching for signs of the missing man, the Cornish Guardian reports, after an unsuccessful six-hour search operation last night.

The man, who has not been identified, was said to have been caught by a large wave at Port William, near Tintagel, late on Saturday afternoon. Two other people who were with him at the time went into the sea in an attempt to rescue him but had to turn back.

Saturday’s search operation saw Coastguard rescue teams from Boscastle and Port Isaac begin a shoreline search, while a RNLI lifeboat was launched, and Falmouth Coastguard scrambled a helicopter from RAF Chievenor to aid the search.

Falmouth Coastguard watch manager Neil Oliver said last night: “We have now been searching for four hours and sadly the man has not been found yet.

“The helicopter and lifeboats have now completed their searches but the two coastguard rescue teams continue their search.

“Conditions this evening have been unfavourable with gale force winds and rough seas.”