The volunteer crew of Bembridge RNLI have now been stood down from the search for a missing swimmer after launching at first light this morning (Tuesday).
At around 05:30, Solent Coastguard requested that the All Weather Lifeboat be launched from Bembridge to continue efforts to locate a male who disappeared off the coast of West Wittering near Selsey at around 19:15 yesterday evening.
Selsey RNLI, Hayling Island RNLI, Portsmouth RNLI, Gosport Independent Lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 had all been searching overnight, without success.
Conditions were relatively benign so it did not take long for Bembridge Lifeboat to reach the search area and begin their efforts to locate the swimmer.
However, with no sign of the missing individual, the decision was taken by Solent Coastguard to stand Bembridge RNLI down from their 68th shout of the year shortly before 10:00.
Selsey RNLI’s Shannon-class lifeboat continues the scaled-down search.
A spokesperson for West Wittering Estate said:
“We have been working tirelessly with local HM Coastguard Rescue Teams, HM Coastguard helicopters and RNLI lifeboats, as well as passing vessels, in search for a man reported to be in difficulty in the water last night. The extensive operation has since stood down and our thoughts are with the gentleman’s family during this time.”
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