UPDATED: A search and rescue operation involving 2 lifeboats and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter is underway on the Solent tonight (Monday).
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat and Gosport Independent Lifeboat were tasked to launch by Solent Coastguard at around 21:45, although the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are yet to confirm the details of the shout.
Coastguard Rescue helicopter 175 is currently sweeping up and down the Solent.
UPDATE @ 22:56 – The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has confirmed that a large scale search and rescue operation has been launched after receiving a Mayday call from a 70ft yacht taking on water in the Solent area.
The Mayday call made on Channel 16 informed the Coastguard that there were 7 people on board with lifejackets and their pumps were not coping.
2 Gosport Inshore Lifeboats, Calshot RNLI, Cowes RNLI, Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Team and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 based at Lee-on-Solent are now all involved in carrying out an extensive search of the area.
Hampshire Police are also assisting and South Central Ambulance Service have been notified and are on standby.
Solent Coastguard has issued a Mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area to maintain a lookout and assist the rescue operation if necessary.
UPDATE @ 23:18 – Ryde Inshore Rescue has presumably been tasked to assist with the ongoing search, launching Ryde Rescue 1 into the darkness.
UPDATE @ 00:24 – A second Coastguard Rescue helicopter from St Athan, Wales is now on scene above the Solent and is assisting in the search.
The incident has been ongoing for over 2-and-a-half hours.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team have also been tasked to the incident.
UPDATE @ 01:22 – The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have called off the search and rescue operation following extensive searches of the Solent, the River Medina and Southampton Water.
Nothing has been found. There are no plans to resume the search operation unless further information comes forward.
In total 5 lifeboats, 2 rescue helicopters, 3 Coastguard Rescue Teams and a Police boat have been involved in the late night incident.
