Search Called Off After Reports Of Possible Aircraft Crash Off Isle Of Wight
A search operation off the south coast of the Isle of Wight has been stood down after reports that an aircraft may have crashed into the sea.
HM Coastguard launched a helicopter from Lee-on-Solent at around 9.15am on Monday (October 19), following a report from a member of the public who saw what they described as a small plane or military drone descend sharply beyond the cliffs.
The aircraft was not seen to reappear, raising concerns that it may have come down in the water.
Another witness reported seeing a plane, potentially a Dassault Falcon jet, flying at around 400ft near St Catherine’s Point.
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat also launched its inshore lifeboat to search the shoreline.
Coastguard Rescue 375 carried out an aerial sweep of the coastline between Blackgang and St Catherine’s Point, as well as the wider Undercliff area, before standing down at around 11.06am.
Further information suggests a Dassault Falcon jet operated by the Royal Air Force had been conducting low-level operations in the area before successfully returning to Bournemouth Airport.
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