A large scale search is underway in the East Wight this afternoon (Saturday) in the hope of locating 2 kayakers who were last seen off St Helens Fort.
HM Coastguard received a number of 999 calls stating members of the public have seen 2 kayakers possibly in difficulty at around 15:30.
Solent Coastguard has said it is believed they were struggling to make headway to the shore – but have not been seen since.
2 Coastguard Rescue Teams, Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter and 2 lifeboats have all been tasked to conduct a search in a bid to locate the kayakers.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team are both carrying out a search between St Helens and Bembridge.
Bembridge RNLI has launched both their All Weather Lifeboat and Inshore Lifeboat and is in the area where they kayakers were last seen.
Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent is conducting a search from the air but is yet to locate anything untoward. They are focusing their search between the East of Culver Cliff and Seaview.
Searches are likely to carry on into the evening.
HM Coastguard is appealing for members of the public who has information to contact Solent Coastguard Operations on 023925 52100 and quote reference: 026974
A spokesperson for Solent Coastguard has said:
“Solent Coastguard received reports of two kayakers, last seen at around 1630 BST in the vicinity of St Helens Fort. It is believed they were struggling to make way to shore.
“We request anyone with any information regarding these kayakers to contact Solent Coastguard Operations on 023925 52100 and quote reference: 026974”
UPDATE @ 19:00 – Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter has now stood down from the incident pending further information. They are returning to base at Lee-on-Solent.
Also, both Bembridge RNLI Lifeboats have now returned to their station at Lane End.
Solent Coastguard is still urging anyone with information to contact them as a matter of urgency on the number above.
UPDATE @ 19:50 – The search has now been called off for the evening with the remaining Coastguard Rescue Teams also standing down from the incident.
Nothing has been found during the search, which lasted for around 4-5 hours. Enquiries are ongoing.
Let’s hope they are found before nightfall. Crazy to go out in this wind and choppy seas. Still hope safe soon.
What are they doing kayaking in this weather…. I’m a kayaker and cert wouldn’t go out in these strong winds….. bloody idiots
We have had events like this happen throughout the summer, why do some people think they are immune from danger.
I hope all are ok…
They don’t think they are immune from danger, they may have got into difficulty on the water – Don’t you understand the difference?
It’s just a little bit strange and slightly puzzling though that anyone would attempt such a crossing/exercise in a kayak when we have had severe weather warnings regarding strong winds over the past couple of days eh?
Your too dumb to understand…
I’ve been a sailor for 30 years, your too ignorant to know what your typing.
.
Neither of you can spell you’re.
YOU’RE too ignorant to use proper grammar!