Massive Search Launched After Stolen Car Found Underwater Near Southampton
A major emergency response was triggered in Totton on Monday night after a stolen car was found submerged in Eling Tide Mill’s waters near Southampton.
All Hands on Deck in Dramatic Search
At 9:27pm on June 5th, police, Hampshire Fire, South Central Ambulance Service, the UK Coastguard, Calshot RNLI lifeboat, and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter rushed to Eling Lane, Totton. The silver Vauxhall Astra was discovered underwater following a short police chase after being stolen earlier in a burglary.
Harsh Weather Hampers Air Search
Due to foul weather, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 was forced to return to its base at Lee-on-the-Solent, putting a dampener on aerial search efforts. However, specialist Coastguard teams, working with fire crews and ambulance services, deployed FLAIR thermal cameras scanning for any missing occupants.
Two-Hour Shoreline Hunt Ends with No Sign of Occupants
Firefighters from St Mary’s, Redbridge, and Fareham joined the rescue operation, alongside the Hart Team from South Central Ambulance Service and a Coastguard search team from Southampton. The RNLI lifeboat also conducted a sea search. Despite the intense two-hour search, no one was found inside the submerged vehicle. Fire crews later helped recover the car from the water.
The dramatic multi-agency operation highlights the ongoing dangers of vehicle theft and the quick, coordinated response of emergency services in Hampshire.
