UPDATED: RESCUERS WORK IN THE DARK TO FREE PERSONS STUCK IN THE MUD NEAR THORNESS

A multi-agency search and rescue operation to free 2 people stuck in the mud is underway near Cowes on the north coast of the Isle of Wight this evening (Sunday). Coastguard Rescue Teams from The Needles and Ventnor, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Cowes RNLI lifeboat and Gosport Independent Lifeboat are currently working to free what is understood to be 2 individuals trapped on the coast between Thorness and Gurnard. The incident began shortly before 17:30 – just as darkness fell – with the operation still ongoing more than 2 hours later. It’s thought that rescuers are working against the dark and cold conditions around half way between Thorness Bay and Gurnard – one of the most remote parts of the Island’s coastline. UPDATE @ 20:11 – Coastguard Rescue 163 from Lydd, in Kent, is now on scene circling in the skies above Thorness. It’s not the only asset to travel some distance to assist in the rescue; Gosport’s inshore lifeboat has travelled from Portsmouth Harbour to the Western Solent. The smaller craft is able to get closer to the shore than Cowes’ Atlantic 85 lifeboat. UPDATE @ 20:23 – Rescue 163 has now stood down from the incident and is returning to Kent. UPDATE @ 21:17 – It has been confirmed that 2 people have been pulled from the mud, evacuated by lifeboat and transferred into the care of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. Search and rescue teams are now standing down from the incident.