Large Sea Search As Police Issue Appeal To Find Missing Woman

A large at-sea search is taking place off the coast of the Isle of Wight following reports of a missing person in Bembridge.

Multiple lifeboats along with Coastguard teams and search and rescue aircraft have been scanning the shores and waters between Bembridge and Portsmouth after clothing was located on the beach.

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said:

"At around 11.40pm on 29 August, HM Coastguard was asked to assist with a report of an overdue swimmer at Bembridge, Isle of Wight.

"Coastguard rescue teams from Bembridge, Ventnor, Needles, Hayling Island and Hill Head were sent along with an HM Coastguard helicopter. Hampshire Police attended. RNLI lifeboats from Hayling, Portsmouth, Selsey, Cowes and Bembridge as well as the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service lifeboat.

"The searches are ongoing and we have no further information at this time."

The search comes as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have issued an appeal to find 69 year old Gayelynn Matthews, who was last seen at 11.30am yesterday (Saturday 29 August).

She is described as: white, approximately 5ft 2in tall, slim build, with blonde shoulder length hair, with various tattoos including a bee behind her right ear, an angel of her shoulder and a spiral pattern on her right hand.

In a statement, a Police spokesperson said:

"We are increasingly concerned for her welfare and are asking the public for any information to help us find her.

"If you think you’ve seen Gayelynn since she went missing, or think you might know where she is now, please call us immediately on 999 quoting incident number 44260422542."