An unidentified Mayday call sparked a large scale lifeboat and helicopter search of the Solent this afternoon (Sunday).
Bembridge RNLI and Selsey RNLI were tasked to launch at about 16:25 in response to an unidentified Mayday call on VHF Radio that had been picked up by a number of vessels in and around the Solent area.
Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter was scrambled to conduct an aerial search.
Under the direction of Solent Coastguard, the Alfred Albert Williams all weather lifeboat carried out a search of the Eastern Solent until around 19:40 when, having found no sign of anyone in distress, the lifeboat was stood down and returned to the Bembridge.
The ALB was re-housed by 20:00.
Meanwhile in the Western Solent, Yarmouth RNLI and lifeboats from the Poole area conducted a search with Coastguard Rescue 106 helicopter for a missing diver.
A 10-mile search surrounding Swanage was launched after a diver was reported missing by the dive vessel Emma J. Yarmouth ALB searched the Solent up to Cowes. The search continues, although Yarmouth RNLI have returned to station.
