CONCERN OVER PADDLE BOARDERS SPARKS COWES LIFEBOAT RESCUE OPERATION

A report that 2 paddle-boarders were in difficulty in the sea led to the launching of Cowes RNLI lifeboat yesterday afternoon. As the lifeboat had just returned from an exercise, the response was even faster than usual. Despite then losing no time in crossing the Solent to the reported sighting off Lepe Spit, a sea search failed to locate the paddle boarders. Shortly after a crew member went ashore they learned that both had already safely reached the shore without assistance.