MAN DIES AFTER GOING OVERBOARD FROM FISHING VESSEL OFF BEMBRIDGE

A man who was found unconscious in the water off Bembridge this afternoon (Monday) has died, Police have confirmed.

It was at around 13:30 that a dog walker raised concerns with HM Coastguard about a 12ft boat that was spotted drifting and had come ashore at Whitecliff Bay.

With the engine still warm, the chart plotter on and fishing gear deployed, concerns were sparked that a sailor had gone overboard a short time before.

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A major search and rescue operation was launched with Bembridge RNLI deploying both its inshore and All Weather lifeboats. At the same time Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was scrambled to conduct a search from the skies and Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams headed for the coast.

Moments after arriving on scene, at around 14:22, the Coastguard helicopter spotted the male in the water and directed lifeboat crews in, who then pulled the casualty from the icy seas. A paramedic from the Coastguard helicopter was then winched down onto Bembridge’s Tamar-class lifeboat which made best speed to The Camber in Portsmouth.

Sadly, it has been confirmed by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary that the man – who Island Echo believe to be a local male – was pronounced dead upon arrival at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and the man’s next of kin have been informed.

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Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, Selsey RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat, HMS Blazer and Patrol Vessel Vigilance were also involved in the search efforts, scouring the seas off the East Wight to ensure no other persons had gone overboard.

The incident has since been brought to a close with no other persons thought to be involved.