A search and rescue operation was launched when a paraglider wing was seen to be ‘threading The Needles’ off the West Wight coast earlier this evening (Wednesday).
The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked at 17:14 after a concerning report was made by a member of the public to Solent Coastguard.
It was reported that they had seen a red or orange paraglider wing pass through The Needles stacks at sea level.
A cliff-edge search was conducted of the immediate area with nothing found.
Yarmouth RNLI’s All-Weather Lifeboat was tasked whilst on their scheduled training session, they were ready for an immediate launch at 18:22.
They headed west out of the Solent towards the Needles. A thorough search was made of the coastline, cliff base and inshore waters both north and south of the Needles as far out as the Fairway Buoy.
Although the winds were up to 21 knots, the visibility was good and the sea state was slight.
Having found no trace of anyone in difficulty Yarmouth RNLI and Needles Coastguard Rescue team were both stood down by the Solent Coastguard.
Yarmouth RNLI’s Coxswain, Howard Lester, said:
“If you believe that you see someone in trouble on the water, it is important that you call for help.
“This can be done by calling 999 or 112 and asking for the coastguard.
“Try to give as much information as possible and once you have called for help try to keep watch of the casualty until help arrives.”
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
If the ‘red or orange wing’ was really at sea level, then the standard twelve to fifteen feet of wires beneath would make the para-lunatic both an aviator and submariner at the same time..! It makes one proud to be British.
If it was 21knots of wind, it will not be a paraglider. The kite surfer would be long gone by the time anyone arrived.
False news – based upon both wind and rain at that time of day, it would not be a paraglider. More likely a kite surfer
Yes sounds like a kite surfer but I wouldn’t be surprised to see a paramotor do it in good conditions.
I’d like to think a solo kite surfer might have either a device to alert to difficulty, or an accomplice who would, if such a manoeuvre was undertaken. Otherwise all this launching and seeking to rescue on sketchy information is a bit of a waste. Personal responsibility and freedom to act has a role here I feel.