Major Search Launched at Culver Down, Isle of Wight
A huge rescue operation kicked off at Culver Down near Sandown on the Isle of Wight this lunchtime. Two coastguard teams, a helicopter, lifeboats, and police rushed to the scene after a welfare concern was raised just after 11am.
All Hands on Deck for Welfare Concern
Hampshire Constabulary were the first on the call, quickly teaming up with the UK Coastguard. Two cliff rescue teams from Bembridge and Ventnor were deployed, and Bembridge RNLI launched its lifeboat to scour the rocky cliffs below. Meanwhile, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 from Lee-on-Solent swept the skies for any sign of the missing person.
A second inshore lifeboat was also scrambled to boost the search efforts. Police confirmed: “We are currently making enquiries at Culver Down following concerns raised at 10.53am for the welfare of a person at this location.”
WightSAR Volunteers Join the Hunt
The search escalated into a full-scale mission for a high-risk missing person. Isle of Wight volunteers from WightSAR were called in to cover more ground across Culver Down, supporting the ongoing rescue push.
BREAKING: Missing Man Found Safe
Good news came just after 2pm – Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the man in his 20s has been found safe and well. The extensive search has now been stood down.
