A 18ft Shetland motor vessel with two people on board which was reported overdue by family, caused a large scale sea and helicopter search to be launched last night (Wed) off the County Down coast. The vessel which had left Bangor marina earlier in the day had not returned as expected, Belfast Coastguard instigated a search involving lifeboats from Portpatrick, Donaghadee, Larne and Bangor. A Royal Navy helicopter from Kinross was also tasked to join the search. Donaghadee lifeboat was designated as OSC and a search pattern was initiated. As darkness fell and the vessel was not located the Irish Coastguard helicopter rescue 116 was put on standby.The casualty vessel returned to Bangor marina at 21.03pm safe and well. Donaghadee lifeboat returned to harbour at 22.30pm