The body of missing Gayelynn Matthews has been located at sea off the Sussex coast following a major search and rescue operation.
The discovery was made to the east of Selsey Bill this afternoon (Sunday), following an extensive operation involving 8 lifeboats, Coastguard Rescue Teams, a Coastguard helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft.
The 69-year-old’s body was recovered from the water onto a lifeboat before being taken ashore at Selsey Lifeboat Station.
Police and HM Coastguard personnel responded to the lifeboat station to meet the returning crew.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the major search began during the early hours of this morning after belongings belonging to missing 69-year-old Gayelynn were found on the beach at Lane End, Bembridge.
Gayelynn had last been seen at 11:30 yesterday (Saturday).
Concerns that she may have entered the water led to a significant search operation being launched, initially involving lifeboats and Coastguard teams around Bembridge and the East Wight coastline.
The search was later expanded across the Solent, with a total of 8 lifeboats involved alongside Coastguard Rescue 375 helicopter and a fixed-wing Coastguard aircraft.
Police issued a public appeal earlier today naming Gayelynn as the woman at the centre of the search, saying officers were becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.
Formal confirmation of the identity of the woman recovered from the sea has not yet been provided, but Gayelynn’s family have been informed.
A file is being prepared for the coroner.
