UPDATED: MAJOR SEARCH IN RYDE FOR MISSING TEEN THOUGHT TO BE AT SEA

A major search and rescue operation to locate a vulnerable teenager continues with 4 lifeboats, 3 Coastguard teams, WightSAR, Police, a Police boat and a Coastguard helicopter all involved. It was during the early hours of this morning (Friday) that resources were deployed to the Esplanade in Ryde in a bid to find the individual concerned, due to fears for their welfare. Search teams have already spent hours battling adverse weather conditions to scour the Solent from the sea, from the air and from land. Bembridge RNLI, Yarmouth RNLI, Cowes RNLI and Ryde Inshore Rescue have all launched their lifeboats overnight, with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge, Ventnor and The Needles mobilised on the ground. Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from nearby Lee-on-Solent flies low overhead with the operation being overseen by the Senior Coastal Operations Officer. Police are also on scene alongside WightSAR – the Island’s voluntary search and rescue team. They were called out at 05:40. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has also deployed its new Police boat – thought to be on its first Isle of Wight tasking. A rendezvous point has been established at St Thomas’ Street car park. The search continues, with a media appeal from Police expected shortly. UPDATE @ 09:08 – Police have issued an appeal for information in relation to missing 18-year-old Chris Koppany. Read more at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/publics-help-needed-in-locating-18-year-old-chris-koppany/.