HM Coastguard appeal for information after debris found in Scratchells Bay
HM Coastguard is appealing for information about the
owner of a small blue vessel after receiving reports of debris washing ashore
at Scratchells Bay near the Needles earlier this afternoon.
The debris was first reported just before 1pm by the Needles
National Coastwatch Institute. Needles and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue
Teams and the Mudeford, Lymington and Yarmouth RNLI lifeboats have been searching the area. HM Coastguard Lee-on-Solent helicopter has now joined the search. Pan Pan and Mayday relay broadcasts have been made to all
vessels in the area to keep a sharp lookout for further debris or someone in
distress.
Mat McInally Duty Controller for HM Coastguard
said: ‘We have reported the debris findings to Hampshire Police and they
have told us they have had no reports of anyone missing. We are appealing
to the owner of the vessel to come forward or to anyone that might have any
information about a blue vessel in this area to contact the Coastguard on 999 – so we can eliminate that anyone is in
trouble at sea’