TWO fundraisers that were launched after a fishing boat went missing off the coast of Conwy have raised more than £14,000.

Skipper Carl McGrath and crewmen Ross Ballantine and Steve (Alan) Minard were reported missing after their whelk fishing boat, the Nicola Faith, failed to arrive at Rhos-on-Sea harbour on Wednesday, January 27.

A huge search by eight RNLI and Coastguard lifeboat and helicopter crews was stood down on Friday, January 29 and a probe is now being carried out by the UK Government’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

A JustGiving fundraiser, set up by Neil McCaster, is aiming to raise £10,000 for the families amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

About £4,200 has been gathered so far as donations continue.

“Three families have suddenly found themselves in a situation that none of us would want to be in,” said Mr McCaster.

“They will have bills that need servicing now and unfortunately they do not go away.

“[The families] are now without their men and now have the double hit of also now being without their income during the worst pandemic in 100 years.”

Mr McGrath’s sister Lauren Hynes and fiancé Jake Cox launched their own fundraiser to thank RNLI volunteer rescuers for their efforts during the two-day search, which has raised £9,900.

“They have been absolutely fantastic and without them this search wouldn’t be possible,” said Ms Hynes.

Donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nicola-faith and gofundme.com/f/help-bring-our-lads-home