Distressed Woman sparked major search in Lee on the Solent
Emergency services rushed to Hillhead beach in the early hours of this morning (Saturday)after information was received. Police and Coastguard teams searched a large area of the seafront and beach. Two coastguard rescue teams from Hillhead and Portsmouth along with a Police search dogs and the National air support helicopter was brought in to search for the woman just after midnight. The GAFRIS (Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue) lifeboat was also scrambled to help find the woman. The woman spotted in a highly distressed state on a coastal beauty spot. The call sparked a two-hour sweep of the coastline along Lee on the Solent coastline. A 10-strong Coastguard search and rescue team from Hillhead and a second team from Portsmouth were also called in whilst the inshore lifeboat scoured the shoreline. The volunteers used night vision and heat seeking equipment to aid their search. A spokesperson from the UK Coastguard said the search was launched based on the information they had received and at the request of the Police. GAFIRS bridge watchkeeper Allan Heazlton said: “After searching the water for around 45 minutes the woman was found safe and well by the police in Stubbington.” Crews left the beach just after 1.40am.
