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Pic: Massimiliano Calamelli
A search for a missing skipper, whose yacht was found washed ashore near Brighstone with its engine still running, has been called off for the evening.
It follows an extensive air, land and sea search lasting nearly five hours and covering an area from Christchurch, Dorset, to the Needles and Compton Bay.
According to Solent Coastguard, a member of the public reported that the yacht ‘Brigand’ was ashore with one of its sails up and the engine still running at 5.15pm on Saturday. The yacht had no-one aboard.
Shortly afterwards, a search using two Coastguard helicopters from Portland and Lee on Solent, Yarmouth and Mudeford RNLI lifeboats, Freshwater SSRO inshore and all weather lifeboats and Lymington, Needles, Southbourne and Swanage Coastguard Rescue Teams began.
Broadcasts were also made by Solent Coastguard to all passing vessels to keep a sharp look out for any objects in the water.
Solent Coastguard Watch Manager David Williams said: "We have searched for nearly five hours this evening for the one person who we believe to have been skippering the yacht, but sadly, no sign has been found of him. We understand that he left Poole this morning with the intention of sailing to Hayling Island. All rescue resources have now finished searching for this evening.
"If you are about to set to sea, please ensure that you are familiar with your boat and equipment, get appropriate training and ensure that you and your crew wear well maintained, correctly fitted lifejackets,” he added.
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