The discovery of a pile of clothing on the beach at Shanklin prompted a shoreline search during the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
Sandown & Shanklin Independent Lifeboat was tasked to launch at 01:30 when concerns were raised with Solent Coastguard about clothing located near the water’s edge.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked to the incident at Hope Beach on the Esplanade.
With fears that a person was in the water and in distress, the lifeboat conducted a search up and down the stretch of coastline as far south as Luccombe – but nothing was found.
Shore-based Coastguards walked up and down the beach but also failed to locate any casualties.
The incident concluded by 02:15.
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.
If memory serves me well, wasn’t this happening before Covid, random clothing found near water, costly fruitless searches being conducted. Maybe the same time waster has returned, watching from the shadows?