Fishing boat sinks off France, one rescued, two found dead, 4 missing

A fishing boat sank in rough seas off the northwest coast of France on Monday, and rescuers have found one survivor and two bodies, French coast guard officials said. Four people were missing.

The 24-meter (79-foot) La Petite Julie sent out distress signals early Monday to indicate it was sinking about 54 kilometers (33 miles) north of the small island Ile Vierge off Brittany's coast. Seven people were on board. The search for the four missing people was suspended late Monday, officials said.

"If they didn't succeed in getting into a lifeboat, they are surely dead," said Sylvain Le Berre, a spokesman for the local coast guard. In the area, the water temperature was no more than 10 degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit).

Rescuers found one man suffering from shock, and in the early stages of hypothermia, Le Berre said. Two bodies were found, and empty lifeboats were spotted near the site of the sinking.

Weather conditions were rough, with heavy winds and cold temperatures, as naval vessels, planes and helicopters as well as some fishing boats in the area took part in the search.