UPDATED: A major search is underway tonight (Friday) to locate up to 4 missing males on the River Medina beside the Isle of Wight Festival.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Newport, Ventnor and Bembridge are currently searching the banks of the river whilst Cowes RNLI and Hampshire Constabulary’s Marine Unit conduct an on-water search up and down the river between Cowes and Newport.
Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent is also involved in the search and is currently conducting an aerial sweep of the area, paying attention to the mouth of the river as the tide goes out.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Newport Rowing Club shortly before 22:00 with Cowes RNLI launching at 22:15.
UPDATE @ 00:30 – Cowes RNLI and Hamsphire Constabulary’s Marine Unit have been stood down from the search alongside the Coastguard Helicopter.
It has been confirmed one female has been rescued from the water by a launch as she tried to cross the Medina earlier this evening.
An extensive search of the area has been carried out by land, sea and air and rescue teams are satisfied that 3 males seen to get of the water are those at the center of the search. A fourth male has not been located however is assumed to have made it out of the river safely.
Island Echo understands the individuals are visiting the Island for the Isle of Wight Festival this weekend.
UPDATE @ 01:10 – Coastguard officers have been stood down from the search, bringing an end to the incident.
UPDATE SATURDAY: It has been confirmed that one female was taken to St Mary’s Hospital by ambulance for routine check ups after being plucked from the water last night.
The group of 5, all believed to be aged in their 20s, were attempting to cross the River Medina in a bid to access the Isle of Wight Festival for free, it is understood.
