Missing man Chetan PatelPolice and HM Coastguard were once again searching the Forelands area of Bembridge this morning (Tuesday) as efforts to locate missing Slough man Chetan Patel continue. Officers from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Marine Unit responded to Lane End at around 08:30 this morning. They were joined at the scene by an HM Coastguard team from Bembridge a short while later. Having donned their waterproof gear, boots on the ground searched the shoreline and the shallow parts of the water in and around the RNLI lifeboat station, prodding at the ground as they looked for any information that could lead to his whereabouts. The search area was almost identical to that explored during the multi-agency search earlier this month – as previously reported by Island Echo. Today’s search lasted around 60 minutes before those involved trudged back up the slipway and onto dry land. A missing persons appeal for Mr Patel – who has been missing since late October – was launched by Police on 19th December with suggestions that the 56-year-old had been seen in Shanklin in November. The National Police Air Service helicopter was deployed to conduct a specific search of Culver Down just 90 minutes before that appeal was issued. On 21st December, another search of Culver Down was conducted involving Police, WightSAR and HM Coastguard. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was approached for a statement, but no response was given. This time around, a spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“This activity relates to ongoing efforts to locate Chetan Patel. “We continue to ask anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting 44230515722.”
On 21st December, another search of Culver Down was conducted involving Police, WightSAR and HM Coastguard. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was approached for a statement, but no response was given. This time around, a spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
