An exhaustive multi-agency search of the Western Solent, involving lifeboats, coastguards and a Coastguard helicopter, took place well into last night (Saturday) for a male swimmer first reported to be in trouble off Cowes.
The alarm was raised when a man was perceived to be in difficulty after entering the sea by the Royal Yacht Squadron.
Search lasted almost seven hours
Cowes lifeboat launched at 3.39pm to begin the search, joined as the evening wore on by lifeboats from Yarmouth, Calshot, and Gosport.
The helicopter returned to its Lee-on-Solent base three times to refuel and Cowes lifeboat also returned to station once to refuel and change its volunteer crew.
Search was eventually called off
After hours of finding no trace of the man the search was eventually called off, and Cowes lifeboat returned to station for the last time at 10.30pm.
Three Isle of Wight coastguard teams also attended the incident, assembling on Cowes seafront.
News shared by George on behalf of Cowes RNLI. Ed
Image: © With kind permission of Nick Edwards
