Ryde Inshore Rescue and Bembridge RNLI are conducting a search of the Solent this morning (Tuesday) following the discovery of a kayak, prompting concerns that someone may be in difficulty.
Solent Coastguard was alerted to a sea kayak drifting off Fishbourne when the Wightlink ferry Victoria of Wight spotted the object in the water sometime before 05:00.
Ryde Rescue 1 was tasked to launch and the volunteer crew have been conducting a search between Ryde Pier and Wootton since. The kayak has been hauled aboard the lifeboat.
Meanwhile, Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat is currently conducting a search in the area of the 3 Solent forts off Portsmouth. The lifeboat was tasked to launch at around 05:20.
The photographs below have been shared by HM Coastguard in a bid to identify the owner and ascertain the circumstances of its discovery.
HM Coastguard is asking anyone with information about the sea kayak to contact the Solent Coastguard Operations Centre as a matter of urgency on 02392 552100.
UPDATE @ 10:15 – Both Bembridge Lifeboat and Ryde Rescue have now been stood down from the search.
Solent Coastguard says that they are confident that there is no one in distress.
The Kayak has no markings or owners details on it, but if it is yours, or you have any information, call 02392 552100
A spokesperson has said:
“We highly recommend labelling your watersports kit so that if found we can get kit back to its owners, and we even provide free waterproof labels – http://mca.ecgroup.net/Publications/Recreationandwatersport%C2%A0/Recreationandwatersport%C2%A0.aspx.
I think that all watercraft should have a name and contact number made visible and in these circumstances it would save the emergency crews a great deal of time