A major air, land and sea search and rescue operation is underway in Cowes this afternoon (Saturday) in a bid to locate a man last seen in difficulty in the water.
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 is conducting a sweep of the area between Cowes and Yarmouth, with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge, Ventnor and The Needles working along the coastline.
Cowes RNLI lifeboat is also involved in the incident, which began shortly before 15:30.
Island Echo is told that search teams are looking for a male of unknown age.
Multiple agencies are involved in the search.
UPDATE @ 19:45 – HM Coastguard is now appealing for information.
They say that a male swimmer was seen potentially in difficulty 400m off the Royal Yacht Squadron at 15:00 this afternoon, heading towards Gurnard Bay.
If you have any information call Solent Coastguard on 02392552100. Call 999 if urgent.
Police and WightSAR have joined the ongoing search, with Yarmouth RNLI and Calshot RNLI lifeboats also launched.
UPDATE @ 23:30 – With nothing found in the past 8 hours, the search is being called off for the night.
Search teams have suspended their efforts.
UPDATE SUNDAY – After a thorough and extensive search, information gathered suggests that the possible missing swimmer likely exited the water himself, says HM Coastguard.
The search has been terminated.
If this is true then he is brown bread.
I think you could have kept that one to yourself!
I hope this has a rewarding ending for all concerned. The services are always at the ready to help/save or assist in all incidents.
Have watched the incredible efforts from my flat over the day. An amazing committed. Let’s hope for a happy outcome.
Here’s hoping that someone is now very embarrassed having found out the chaos he caused whilst he made it to safety by himself.
Chances are he was wondering what all the activity was about and, like you, was watching it.