tanker Hedda about 400 miles off Bermuda.

Two US Coast Guard C-130 aircraft yesterday were helped in their search by three merchant ships.

But a Harbour Radio spokesman said the search drew a blank, adding: "The only thing they found was some debris, totally unconnected with the missing man.

"The two C-130 aircraft will be out again tomorrow. We are continuing to broadcast to all shipping to be on the look-out.'' The man was reported missing at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday when Hedda was south southeast of Bermuda while en route from the Panama Canal to Europe. The tanker backtracked, covering some 140 miles of ocean as it helped in the search.

Harbour Radio said the water temperature was about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, warm enough to enable the man to survive some time.

SHIP SHI