CONCERNS THAT ANGLER MAY BE MISSING FROM MUDEFORD


Coastguards have issued an appeal to an angler, who may have left their fishing gear on the beach near Mudeford Quay, Christchurch, to get in touch with them urgently.

This morning, Dorset Police reported that some high quality fishing tackle had apparently been abandoned on the steeply shelving beach at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour – leading to concerns that the angler may have entered the water and got into difficulties. The equipment was discovered by a dog-walker at 6:30am.

The Mudeford lifeboat, Southbourne Coastguard Rescue Team, the Lee-on-Solent search and rescue helicopter and the police have all been involved in a so far fruitless search.

Watch Officer at Portland Coastguard, Becky Clarke, said:  “The fact that some expensive fishing tackle has simply been left on the beach has raised fears that an angler has possibly gone into the water.


“We are appealing to anyone who thinks that they are this angler – or knows who it might be - to please get in touch with the Coastguard urgently by calling 999.”  

 UPDATE: WEDNESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 15:10

 Search has been suspended pending further information.

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