Isle of Wight Lifeboat Launch Was Hoax After Late-Night Mayday Call
Major Search Ends in Stand Down
A late-night emergency sparked a full-scale rescue mission off the Isle of Wight – but it turned out to be a nasty hoax. Just after 11pm on Saturday, the UK Coastguard operations centre in Fareham ordered the launch of the Cowes lifeboat following a Mayday call over the VHF marine radio.
Coastguard Teams Hunt For Missing Sailor
Local Coastguard teams, including the Isle of Wight Coastguard search and rescue squads and the Cowes Harbourmaster, sprang into action immediately. The search stretched from Island Harbour all the way down to Newport Quay, combing sea and shore in a desperate bid to find the distressed sailor, believed to be a water-logged drinker with a radio spotted nearby before the call.
Malicious Hoax Under Police Investigation
Despite all efforts, no trace of the missing person was found. Search and rescue teams stood down shortly after 1.30am Sunday. Hampshire Constabulary has now launched an investigation into the false alarm, branding the distress call a malicious hoax.
