UPDATED Major search and rescue operation underway for yacht in distress in the Solent area

UK Coastguard have launched a large scale search and rescue operation this evening after receiving  a mayday call at 9.45pm from 70ft yacht taking on water in the Solent area.

The mayday call made on Channel 16 informed the UK Coastguard that there were seven on board with lifejackets and their pumps were not coping.


Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team, two Gosport Inshore Lifeboats, Calshot and Cowes RNLI inshore Lifeboats and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lee Solent are currently carrying an extensive search of the area.  Hampshire Police Vessel and Rossall Point National Coast Watch Institute are also assisting and South Central Ambulance have been notified and are on standby.

The UK Coastguard has issued a Mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area to maintain a lookout and assist the rescue operation if necessary.

We have no further at this information at this stage and the search is ongoing.

UPDATE 00:01 Tuesday 16 May

Ryde Inshore Rescue and Bembridge and Needles Coastguard Rescue Teams, as well as a second helicopter from UK Coastguard St Athan Base have joined the search operation.

So far nothing has been found and the search remains ongoing in the River Medina and Solent area.

UPDATE 1:00AM Tuesday 16 May

After an extensive and thorough search of the Solent, River Medina and Southampton water, with nothing found, all search and rescue teams have been stood down.

There are no plans to resume the search operation unless further information comes forward.

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