A large scale search of the Western Solent for a potential missing kite surfer is underway this evening (Sunday).
Lymington RNLI lifeboat and Hamble Lifeboat are carrying out a search between Lymington and Cowes following the discovery of a kite in the water.
Island Echo readers are reporting that the Needles Coastguard Rescue Team has arrived at Thorness Beach near Gurnard, where security from the nearby holiday park are turning away members of the public from the beach area.
Search and rescue teams are working against the fading light to identify if any persons are in danger.
The search began at around 15:30 when a kite was found in the water near the entrance to Cowes Harbour.
UPDATE @ 19:30 – Coastguard Rescue 175 has now joined the search, conducing an aerial sweep of the Solent area.
HM Coastguard say that they have been coordinating a search for a orange, black and blue kite surfer seen in difficulty off Lymington.
UPDATE @ 20:00 – Cowes RNLI Lifeboat has now joined the ongoing search.
The Coastguard has released photographs of the kite surf discovered in the sea in a bid to trace the owner. Anyone with info on this owner – even in they are home and safe – is asked to call Solent Coastguard on 02392552100.
UPDATE @ 21:00 – The kite surfer has been found safe and well at home, it has been confirmed.
The search has now been called off.
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Fingers crossed all goes well
Awful to be lost at sea in the dark. Now the Police plane ‘may’ have been some use if it has heat sensors used for those who grow drugs in shed, lofts and teachers garages etc to aid in finding the person. Hope is found now.
Do well
Great news found safe yet again amazing service by coastguard
Hope there is a genuine reason why he was at home and his kite at sea? All those resources and time?
Now send the bill for the cost of the unnecessary search to the individual found “safe and well at home”.
Obviously didn’t think of contact the Coastguard to advise that they had lost their equipment!
Totally selfish and inconsiderate behaviour. What would have happened if there had been a GENUINE emergency and lives were lost?
stay strong broski