Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat was at sea for more than 9 hours last night (Saturday) as part of a major search and rescue operation to find a missing kayaker off Selsey, West Sussex.
Volunteers launched the lifeboat at the request of Solent Coastguard at 19:20 to join other rescue assets undertaking a search for 33-year-old Shane Davies to the east of the Isle of Wight.
It was reported that a 2-person kayak had capsized at 15:30 approximately half a mile south of Selsey Lifeboat Station; 1 kayaker was recovered safely by a jet ski but Shane, who was wearing a red buoyancy aid, was missing. The 2 kayakers had become separated after swimming for some 90 minutes.
Bembridge’s Tamar-class lifeboat joined 2 lifeboats from Selsey, 1 from Littlehampton and Coastguard Rescue helicopter 175 in sweeping the area, but to no avail.
At 22:45, Bembridge’s volunteer crew were re-tasked to carry out a shoreline search to the east of Pagham. At the same time, HM Coastguard’s fixed-wing aeroplane was deployed from Doncaster to continue searching the wider area.
Having been relieved by Hayling RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat at around 04:30 this morning, the ‘Alfred Albert Williams’ returned to the Offshore Boathouse at Bembridge and was re-housed by 04:50 after some 9 hours at sea.
Shane is described as white, about 5’9” tall, of a medium build with brown hair. He was wearing camouflaged shorts, a multi-coloured vest top and a red life jacket.
Anyone who sees him or knows where he could be is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting serial Sussex Police 1290 of 12/6. In an emergency, call 999.
UPDATE SUNDAY – A body has been discovered in the water, Police have confirmed.
Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the Coroner’s Office.
Inspector Oliver Pullen said:
“Our thoughts are with Shane’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“I’d like to thank Coastguard and other colleagues for their work to help find Shane.”
I understand from bbc news that a body, believed to be Shane, has now been found. Condolences to his family and friends.
That is so sad. The crews tried their best. My feelings to his family and friends.