MISSING CANOEIST FOUND IN PUB AFTER COASTGUARD SEARCH

A canoeist who departed Binstead early on Sunday morning, but had not returned as expected, was found in a pub in East Cowes last night. HM Coastguard launched a search between Players Beach, Binstead and Wootton Creek yesterday dinnertime amid reports of an overdue individual. Island Echo understands the single canoeist had set off in the morning, but failed to return – prompting the search and rescue operation. Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service were both mobilised. It has been confirmed that the individual was located safe and well ashore – understood to be having a drink at The Folly Inn pub at Whippingham, near East Cowes. The incident is not connected to the cordoning off of Players Beach by Police, as previously reported by Island Echo.