Dramatic search involving Lymington RNLI for ‘person in water’ off Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, turns out to be false alarm

LYMINGTON RNLI was among rescue teams that rushed out in response to reports a person was in the water clinging to a buoy off the Isle of Wight.

The alarm was raised at 2.30pm on Tuesday as the casualty was thought to be in trouble off Yarmouth.

Launched within six minutes, the David Bradley lifeboat sped to the area to begin a search. It was joined by the Yarmouth all-weather lifeboat and Needles Coastguard rescue teams.

A dramatic video posted online by Lymington RNLI showed its lifeboat battling heavy waves to reach the scene.

Helm Phil Baker said: “Searching for a person in the water can be tricky in calm seas, add a stiff breeze and seaway to match, and it becomes a lot more challenging.

“The vital information we receive from the coastguard gives us real time tidal flow and drift, which dictates the search area and pattern used.”

The rescuers searched the shoreline from Bouldner Bay to Fort Albert in rough weather for an hour before being stood down as the alert was understood to be a false alarm with good intent.

Crew member Ed Wallrock said: “On this occasion there wasn’t anyone in the water but we do encourage members of the public to err on the side of caution and dial 999 if you suspect a person is in trouble.”