SEARCH FOR MISSING SKIPPER COORDINATED BY SOLENT COASTGUARD
Solent Coastguard has been
coordinating the search for a man this evening, after his yacht was found
ashore near Brighstone, Isle of Wight.
A member of the public
reported that the yacht ‘Brigand’ was ashore with one of its sails up and the
engine still running at 5.15 pm this evening. The yacht had no-one aboard.
An air, land and sea search
involving the two Coastguard helicopters from Portland and Lee on Solent,
Yarmouth and Mudeford RNLI lifeboats, Freshwater SSRO inshore and all weather
lifeboats and Lymington, Needles, Southbourne and Swanage Coastguard
Rescue Teams began shortly after the yacht was found. Broadcasts were also made
by Solent Coastguard to all passing vessels to keep a sharp look out for any
objects in the water.
Solent Coastguard Watch
Manager David Williams says:
“We have searched for nearly
five hours this evening for the one person who we believe to have been
skippering the yacht, but sadly, no sign has been found of him. We understand
that he left Poole this morning with the intention of sailing to Hayling Island. All rescue resources have now
finished searching for this evening.
“If you are about to set to
sea, please ensure that you are familiar with your boat and equipment, get
appropriate training and ensure that you and your crew wear well maintained,
correctly fitted lifejackets.”