SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSON REASON FOR MULTI-AGENCY OPERATION IN THE SOUTH WIGHT

A multi-agency operation has been taking place off the coast of Luccombe over the last 24 hours, was to locate a missing person, who has since been found. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was first called to Shanklin yesterday (Friday) at around 20:00 before leaving and coming back to the Island and Ventnor at around 01:00. Then, this morning (Saturday), RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge and Selsey alongside Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat were tasked to the coast between Luccombe and Bonchurch. All 3 boats were on scene in the area for several hours before standing down and heading back to station. Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 was also drafted in from Lee-on-Solent, scouring the search area from above before heading back to base at around 14:00. Boots on the ground – including numerous officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary – have been joined by Coastguard Rescue teams from nearby Ventnor and Bembridge at Smugglers Haven Car Park on Bonchurch Road. Island Echo has contacted Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary for a statement but has yet to receive a reply. UPDATE @ 16:00 – It has been confirmed that the search efforts were in attempts to locate a missing person who has since been found.