Multiple lifeboats and land-based Coastguard teams are conducting investigations into reports of a kite surfer in difficulty off the coast of the Isle of Wight this evening (Tuesday).
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat and both of Bembridge RNLI’s lifeboats are currently on the water and conducting a search between Bembridge and Ventnor.
Meanwhile, Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team are conducting a visual search from the shore.
The incident began at around 18:10.
UPDATE @ 20:40 – Despite a large scale search, nothing has been found.
All resources now appear to be returning to station.
UPDATE @ 20:55 – It has been confirmed to Island Echo that 2 separate reports were received about a kite surfer near Shanklin and a kayaker near Yaverland.
The calls have been deemed as false alarms with good intent.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
Get help faster by giving emergency services your exact location by using ///what3words.
what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
