A large-scale search involving multiple Coastguard resources is underway tonight (Friday) – thought to be in response to a distress alert.
Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter is conducting a thorough search of The Solent from The Needles to the West of the Isle of Wight, right through to The Nab Tower off Bembridge in the East.
Bembridge RNLI and Cowes RNLI lifeboats have also joined the search, which is being coordinated by Solent Coastguard.
On the ground, The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team have swept along the coast from the West Wight to Cowes, including Thorness Bay.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team has conducted a search from Fishbourne in the East through to East Cowes.
UPDATE @ 21:14 – The search has been stood down.
