Major Search after Kayaker Equipment Found floating in the Solent

A major search operation has been conducted in the Solent and on land since about 10.30am this morning following the discovery of items normally used by kayakers. The items found were washed up on a beach near Gosport this morning. Coastguard search and rescue team from Hill head,Southampton,Newport, Portsmouth Bembridge and Ventor have been involved in a land and beach search in the Gosport,Lee on the Solent and Parts of the Isle of Wight. Five lifeboats from Two independent charities and The RNLI :Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue and Hamble Lifeboat. Three other Lifeboats from the RNLI, Cowes,Bembridge and Portsmouth have carried out sea search. This comes after two other searches where clothing has been found on beaches in Portsmouth and Cowes, despite large searching being carried out no one has been located or recovered. A Coastguard rescue helicopter from Lee on the Solent was also used to search from the air along with Lifeboats. Teams still remain out searching on the Isle of Wight with Hamble lifeboat also support ground teams searching the river Medina and Wootton Creek. The search operation was sparked when the items, discovered include a glove, a trainer, a man over board strobe light and torches. The search was initially sparked at around 6am this morning when a crew member on board a Wightlink car ferry spotted a torch in the water. After launching to investigate, Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) discovered a second torch but with no further cause for concern, they returned to base. At this time no persons have been found and the search has been stood down. People with any details about kayakers who may have been fishing overnight or the equipment that has been found are being urged to call the UK Coastguard on 023 9255 2100.

More news from Bembridge