Ryde Inshore Rescue, Cowes RNLI and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 were all scrambled to reports of a yacht sinking off the north coast of the Isle of Wight earlier this morning (Wednesday).
Solent Coastguard received a Mayday alert shortly before 11:00 that suggested a 20 metre yacht with 15 persons on board was sinking around 2 miles north of Fishbourne, in the general area of Osborne Bay.
Fearing multiple causalities in the water, the Lee-on-Solent helicopter was scrambled to the scene alongside 2 Isle of Wight lifeboats.
Thankfully, it was quickly established that the incident was a false alert and rescue teams were swiftly stood down.
It has been confirmed that the vessel in question was conducting a training exercise.
