HM Coastguard and Yarmouth RNLI have been involved in the search for a windsurfer or small vessel reported to be in difficulty off the coast of the Isle of Wight today (Wednesday).
A member of the public – the Island’s very own Rob Da Bank – raised the alarm at around 08:40 this morning whilst he was cycling along Military Road.
It was reported to Solent Coastguard that what appeared to be a windsurfer or small vessel – possibly a yacht – was in difficulty off the South Coast of the Island.
Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to investigate the reports, with Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat launched shortly afterwards.
An extensive search was carried out between Compton Bay and Blackgang but nothing untoward was found. Coastguard Rescue Officers and the Yarmouth RNLI team were stood down shortly before 11:30.
Rob Da Bank has praised the efforts of the Coastguard and RNLI.
Like Rob de bank I’m sure most people praise the work of the Coastguards and Lifeboat crews
A Windsurfer or small vessel ? not to difficult to tell the difference just guess he just wants some free publicity Rob that is
I totally disagree. Given the sea conditions & likely poor visibility it would indeed be difficult to fully determine the difference between a wind surfer & a small yacht (vessel is often used as a generic term for any type of craft).
One can only hope that Rob is not proved correct by the discovery of a body in days to come.
No one should discourage or criticise any one for reporting what could easily be a risk to life.