A search for 2 ‘missing’ children in a remote part of the Isle of Wight ended late last night (Easter Sunday) – with emergency services initially fearing the call out was a hoax.
It was just before 21:20 that Police and HM Coastguard deployed multiple assets to Niton Undercliff, between St Lawrence and Blackgang, in what is said to have been the search for 2 children who were reported to be missing.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were both deployed to the scene, beginning searches from the Castlehaven and Rocken End areas, joined by Police.
Coastguard Rescue 375 was scrambled from Lee-on-Solent to conduct an aerial sweep of the remote stretch of coastline. The aircraft was re-tasked to another, more pressing incident whilst en-route to the South Wight, but was soon back on track for the Undercliff.
Based on information received, and following a search of the area from the skies and on the ground, the incident was stood down by 22:30.
Island Echo was told at the scene that the matter was being explored as a possible hoax call.
It has been a busy Easter Bank Holiday weekend for the Island’s search and rescue crews, following an incident at Whale Chine on Friday and the rescue of the woman from the water at Ryde on Saturday night.
UPDATE @ 14:00 – Confusion surrounding the incident, which was initially thought to be 2 missing children, has been cleared up by Police.
It has been confirmed that officers were deployed to assist HM Coastguard, but it then transpired that no children were at risk – in fact, the children had made a call to report that a boat was in distress.
The incident is now being treated as a false alarm with good intent.
So that cost thousands of pounds shame most probably find the scum who phoned..