UPDATED: SEA SEARCH IN SANDOWN AS OBJECT SEEN FLOATING IN THE WATER

A search for an object seen floating in the sea off Sandown has been scaled up as darkness descends this evening (Thursday), with multiple resources from HM Coastguard now involved in the operation.  2 Coastguard Rescue Teams, Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, Bembridge RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter are currently conducting a search in the vicinity of Sandown Pier. It was at around 16:30 that HM Coastguard was alerted to an object seen floating in the sea between Shanklin and Sandown, prompting a Coastguard Rescue Team from Bembridge to be mobilised to achieve eyes on. However, the search has now been scaled up amid fears the object could be a person in distress – or a body. A 2nd Coastguard rescue team from Ventnor has been mobilised and the RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat from Bembridge has launched into the night. The Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent has also been scrambled to conduct a search of Sandown Bay from the skies above using its powerful search lights. Choppy conditions and gale force winds have resulted in Sandown Lifeboat being recovered to the Lifeboat station in the interests of safety. UPDATE @ 18:55 – The search continues more than 2 hours after the alarm was raised. Search and rescue teams are battling adverse weather conditions including gale force winds. https://youtu.be/5FimZRDXczM?si=865phFwsCQrIpvXU UPDATE @ 22:10 – With nothing found, the search has now been stood down.