Missing jet-ski brother sparks major Solent search
The growing concern of a man for his missing brother sparked a land and sea search of the Solent and Southampton Water area last (Tuesday) evening, of which Cowes RNLI lifeboat was just one of the searchers.
HM Coastguards had received a phone call from the ‘very distressed’ man who had come ashore at Princes Green, Cowes, stating that he and his brother had both taken to the water in Southampton with jet-skis. Now he just had no idea about the whereabouts of his brother, and was increasingly worried for his safety.
Cowes lifeboat launched at 5.45 pm, to carry out a search in the fading light between Lepe and Calshot; also involved were Calshot RNLI lifeboat, together with land-based coastguard teams from both sides of the Solent, plus the police.
Eventually, at 6.14 pm, the jet-ski was found moored alongside a fishing boat, with the missing man aboard, safe and well. Both man and his jet-ski were then taken by Cowes lifeboat back to the brothers’ point of departure, in the River Itchen.
Cowes lifeboat returned to station at 8.30 pm.
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