Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat was launched to reports of a possible person in difficulty off the South Wight yesterday evening (Wednesday) – but the shout turned out to be a false alarm with good intent.
Volunteer lifeboat crew were paged to launch at 20:32 to conduct a search in the vicinity of Blackgang and Chale. Solent Coastguard had received reports from eagle-eyed staff at Blackgang Chine of a potential paddleboarder in trouble.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked to the incident with Coastguard Officers taking up position on the clifftop near Whale Chine.
It was soon confirmed that all persons were in fact safe and well. The paddleboarder, who was eventually located by the lifeboat near Atherfield, was completing a charity paddle around the Isle of Wight and was accompanied by a vessel.
Safety advice was given by Coastguard Rescue Officers as the fundraisers had not informed the Coastguard of their charity challenge.
The incident was deemed a false alarm with good intent (FAGI).
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
