A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway on the seafront in Shanklin tonight (Tuesday) amid fears of a person may be in difficulty in the water.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service was first to respond to the incident at 19:38, mobilising a retained appliance from Shanklin.
HM Coastguard is also now on scene alongside Police and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Bembridge RNLI lifeboat has been launched and Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent scrambled, currently conducting a search along The Bay with its search light sweeping from left to right over the sea.
Firefighters and Coastguard Rescue Officers are on foot conducting a shoreline search in deteriorating weather conditions in a bid to locate who is thought to be a male in distress.
WightSAR – the Island’s volunteer lowland search and rescue team – has been requested to attend.
Ventnor and The Needles Coastguard Rescue Teams are currently attending another incident elsewhere on the Island.
UPDATE @ 21:05 – The search is now winding down, with new information coming to light.
Local cameras have been assessed to help get a fuller understanding of the situation.
UPDATE @ 22:14 – Bembridge RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue 175 have both been re-deployed to another incident, this time around 4 miles off the coast of Ventnor.
A medical emergency on board a yacht has led to a second shout of the night for the Coastguard resources.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
