Search Launched After Aircraft Issues Mayday Alert Above Isle Of Wight

A major search operation has been launched after an aircraft issued a Mayday call while flying over the Isle of Wight today (Wednesday).

Emergency services were alerted shortly before 11:00, prompting the deployment of Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 375 from its base at Lee-on-Solent.

The helicopter spent around two hours conducting an extensive search of the Island, with particular focus on the south and west.

It later returned briefly to refuel before heading back out to continue efforts.

After covering a wide area, the helicopter stood down at around 15:00.

A fixed-wing aircraft from HM Coastguard, dispatched from Humberside Airport, has since taken over the operation and remains in the air.

Search activity is now concentrated off the coast of The Needles as efforts continue to locate the aircraft involved.