UPDATED: SUNRISE SEARCH IN RYDE FOR POTENTIAL CASUALTY IN THE WATER

A search and rescue operation is underway as the sun rises in Ryde this morning (Monday) over fears a woman may be in difficulty. HM Coastguard teams from Bembridge and Ventnor – and Police – are present at Ryde Esplanade, where efforts are being made to locate a potential casualty in the water. Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent is conducting an aerial sweep of the area between Ryde and Wootton. Meanwhile, Ryde Inshore Rescue has launched its Ryde Rescue 2 inshore lifeboat and is currently sweeping along the coast to the West of – and around – Ryde Pier. The incident began at around 04:15. Coastguard Rescue Officers are working their way along the coast on a falling tide under the guidance of the Area 9 Senior Coastal Operations Officer. Police officers continue to search the local vicinity. UPDATE @ 08:32 – The search has now been stood down. It’s understood the woman has been located in the local vicinity and detained on Union Street by Police.