False alarm sparks huge Isle of Wight search in pitch black
A major multi-agency search was launched on the Isle of Wight in the early hours of Friday – but it turned out to be a wild goose chase.
Massive night search launches after ‘person seen stumbling’
Just after 11pm on Thursday, emergency crews rushed to the cycle track between Afton Road and Freshwater Causeway. A member of the public had reported seeing someone stumbling in the mud.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, two Coastguard search and rescue teams from Ventnor and The Needles, and a Coastguard rescue helicopter 175 from Lee-on-the-Solent were all scrambled. Hampshire Constabulary officers and Isle of Wight ambulance crews also joined the frantic hunt.
High-tech gear deployed in tough conditions
- Ground teams used thermal imaging cameras along the muddy cycle track.
- The rescue helicopter deployed FLAIR and Nightsun night-vision technology for aerial searches.
Conditions were very dark and tricky, making the search especially difficult.
Nothing found – crews stood down at 1.25am
Despite the combined efforts of all involved, no sign of the missing person was found. Emergency teams were stood down just after 1.25am on Friday morning, confirming the alarm was false.
