UPDATED: Cowes RNLI have tonight (Wednesday) launched on service after a red flare was spotted in the skies over the Solent.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked to launch by Solent Coastguard at around 22:30 after it was reported to them that a red flare had been spotted in the vicinity of Cowes.
The lifeboat and her crew are currently searching the area for any signs of seaman in trouble. A red flare is an international distress sign.
Residents living in Northwood have reported to Island Echo that they saw the flare in the sky at around 22:20.
UPDATE @ 00:05 – Island Echo understands the search has now been called off and that Cowes lifeboat has returned to station.
According to reports, Red Jet 3 spotted the flare before making waves to the general area.
Nothing untoward has been found and therefore it is suspected the flare had been set off with malicious intent.
Featured photo: Cowes RNLI/Archive
