HM Coastguard tasked a helicopter, lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Team – and welcomed the support of the Royal Navy – in response to reports of a possible sinking vessel off Ventnor this afternoon (Tuesday).
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat was tasked at just before 17:00, alongside Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team, to conduct a search for a possible boat in difficulty off the east coast of the Isle of Wight.
Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was scrambled and HMS Tyne also responded to the emergency.
However, search and rescue assets were quickly stood down when it was confirmed that all persons were safe and well.
What was thought to be a boat going under the waves was in fact 2 people on surfboards.
The incident has been declared a false alarm with good intent and all resources have been stood down.
