A major search and rescue operation involving 8 lifeboats, a Coastguard helicopter and multiple ground units was launched overnight when clothing belonging to a missing person was located on an Isle of Wight beach.
It was at around 01:00 this morning (Sunday) that a pile of clothes – understood to belong to a 69-year-old woman, last seen at midday yesterday – was located on the beach at Lane End, Bembridge, prompting concern that she may have entered the water.
Before long, a large scale search was launched by HM Coastguard.
Both the All Weather and Inshore lifeboats from Bembridge RNLI were launched, as well as RNLI lifeboats from Portsmouth and Hayling Island. Independent lifeboats from Ryde and Gosport & Fareham were also tasked to join the search efforts.
In the skies above, Coastguard Rescue 375 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was scrambled, conducing sweeps of the East Wight coastline.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team were mobilised to conduct shoreline searches in the Bembridge area on foot, including in and around Bembridge Harbour.
With nothing found, the search was suspended.
However, by 07:00, HM Coastguard had requested the relaunching of Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather and Inshore lifeboats, which conducted searches around Bembridge Ledge and Whitecliff Bay.
They were assisted by Coastguard Rescue Officers from The Needles, who carried out further shoreline searches at the low tide mark.
As the morning has progressed, the search has ramped up once again.
A total of 8 lifeboats are now involved in the ongoing search on both sides of the Solent, as well as a fixed wing Coastguard plane.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and HM Coastguard have been approached for a statement.
We're working on bringing you all the latest updates on this breaking news story.
Refresh this page or check back later for updates...
Do you have information, photos or video relating to this incident? Email [email protected]
