MAN PLUCKED FROM THE SEA IN SANDOWN DURING EARLY HOURS SEARCH

A man was found in the sea off Sandown during a large scale search and rescue operation in the early hours of this morning (Thursday). Concerns were raised for the welfare of individual at around 02:00, which led to a response from Police, HM Coastguard and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams, Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter, Bembridge RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat and Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat were all tasked to the vicinity of Sandown Pier. Coastguard Rescue Officers and Police conducted a shoreline search on foot, using para flares to illuminate the area. A drone with thermal imaging was also deployed. Meanwhile, the lifeboats swept up and down the coast and the Coastguard helicopter scoured the wider area from above. By 02:40 the casualty was sighted in the chilly waters between Sandown and Shanklin by Bembridge Lifeboat, with volunteer crew members hauling the male on board. He was subsequently transferred to Bembridge Lifeboat Station, where he was taken into the care of Police and paramedics.