The search for a vessel feared missing after the discovery of fishing gear in the ocean was called off on Friday afternoon.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Marine and Ports Services said it was “reasonably confident” that no mariners came into difficulty in relation to the discovery on Friday morning.

She said: “There have been no developments or new information material to this case.

“Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre has confirmed that active search efforts were suspended Friday afternoon from a search-and-rescue standpoint, and no additional debris in the western reef area was located.

“There was a report of debris washed up on a South Shore beach. The information was well intended but discounted given the distance from the other concentrated debris between Daniel’s Head and Chubb Heads Beacon.

“We appreciate the public's support. We remain reasonably confident that no vessels/persons have gotten into difficulty offshore but we remain vigilant.”

The debris, which included a cooler, buckets and bags of bait, was found at a position 1.7 miles east-northeast of Chubb Heads Beacon. The discovery position is west of the West End.

After the flotsam or jetsam was found, the coastguard was tasked with investigating with one its vessels. Boats in the area were requested to assist in the search for additional signs of possible distress.