UPDATED: A landslide at Yaverland has prompted a search and rescue operation involving Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, HM Coastguard and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter this morning (Sunday).
Local fishing boats off the coast of Sandown Bay witnessed a large section of cliff fall away between Yaverland and Culver at around 10:45, resulting in fears that at least 3 people on the beach further along the coast had become trapped.
Coastguard Rescue 104 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent has conducted a sweep of the area alongside Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat (SSILB), however the group feared trapped are understood to have now made their own way back to safety.
Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams are conducting a final search of the beach, which is being closed off over fears for safety. A cordon has been set up close to the fall at an area known as Red Cliff.
Martin Groom, Station Officer of Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team is warning Islanders to stay away from the area, with a rising tide and uncertainty over the stability of the cliff at this moment in time.
UPDATE @ 11:55 – The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and SSILB have been stood down from the incident.
Coastguard Rescue Officers have erected a cordon and are monitoring the fall, which is estimated at up to 1000 tonnes. They are due to return to the scene later today to conduct further investigations.
UPDATE @ 14:30 – The Isle of Wight Council have confirmed that the cliff path remains open to walkers and that signs are being put in place to advise members of the public of the safe routes to take.
The public are reminded that the area remains unstable and are being advised to stay away in the interests of safety
