A search and rescue mission involving Bembridge RNLI lifeboat and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 has been launched off the coast of the Isle of Wight this afternoon (Friday).
At around 15:30, a distress beacon activation was picked up by Solent Coastguard indicating that a vessel may be in distress.
The search is currently focusing in an area south of St Catherine’s Point – the most southerly tip of the Island.
A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has told Island Echo:
“HM Coastguard was called to assist at around 3.30pm today (April 17) after a report of a distress beacon alert from a vessel.
“The search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent and an RNLI lifeboat from Bembridge have been sent and this incident is ongoing”.
UPDATE @ 17:50 – The search has been called off with the incident being deemed a false alarm, with no persons in distress.
Island Echo understands that the distress beacon was set off accidentally.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team were mobilised to assist in the search, but all resources have now been stood down.
Hope all goes well and not another hoax again
Was the Mayday call a day or so ago, accidently too?
Time wasters want to be fined