The National Police Air Service helicopter from Bournemouth has been deployed to the South Wight tonight (Wednesday) to assist in an ongoing search.
5 Police units were seen responding to the area of Niton, Whitwell and The Undercliff at around 20:45.
Now, the Police helicopter is circling overhead including at the most southerly point of the Isle of Wight, St Catherine’s Point.
UPDATE @ 22:46 – The search continues with attention focused around the Town End area of Niton, as well as Undercliff Drive.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team have joined the search, but there appears to be no tasking for WightSAR – the Island’s voluntary lowland search and rescue team.
No appeal for information has been issued but it is assumed the search is for a missing individual.
Numerous Police vehicles are searching the local area and the NPAS helicopter remains overhead.
UPDATE @ 23:01 – The National Police Air Service helicopter has now stood down from the search, but efforts on the ground remain ongoing at this time.
Coastguards are heading to the coast between Binnel Bay and Woody Bay – one of the most remote locations on the Island.
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat has been launched to assist from the seaward side.
UPDATE THURSDAY – It has been confirmed that a missing male was successfully located near Binnel Bay shortly before midnight.
Sandown Lifeboat was tasked to the incident over fears search teams would become cut off by the tide. However, with all persons back on dry land the lifeboat was stood down shortly after arriving off St Lawrence.
What has happened? I can hear the helicopter circling right now.
Have no idea , but I heard it circle round literally all night and there was every authority here police dogs , helicopter by air , sea the works. This missing guy obviously has wasted time and was searched everywhere.. god knows who it was or what happened? Looking for someone no doubt. Or went missing for whatever reason ?
So weirded out tbh. Never seen such a commotion over in this area. It’s literally freaked me rite out.