UPDATED: BEMBRIDGE LIFEBOAT IN SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSON OFF MAINLAND COAST

Volunteer lifeboat crew from Bembridge RNLI launched their All Weather Lifeboat to assist in a major search off the mainland coast this afternoon (Friday). The Tamar-class lifeboat hit the water at around 13:30 as part of the multi-agency response for a missing person in the Chichester/Langstone Harbour area. A parallel track search was initiated further offshore than where the 5 other lifeboats involved had searched. Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent later spotted something in the water, which was subsequently picked up by Selsey RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat shortly after 15:00. Solent Coastguard stood down the search soon afterwards, with Bembridge Lifeboat rehoused off Lane End by 15:45. UPDATE SATURDAY– It has been confirmed that a body has been recovered in the search for missing Marc Richardson from Portsmouth. A body was recovered from the water yesterday afternoon and although formal identification has not yet taken place, Marc’s next of kin has been informed. The death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.