Rescuers find missing sailor trapped by furniture on board yacht
A major air and sea search was launched in the Solent
Last updated 11th Mar 2024
A missing sailor who sparked a major air and sea search has been found trapped on his yacht on the Isle of Wight.
The man was last seen sailing out of Chichester Harbour on Saturday and there were "serious concerns" for his welfare.
Coastguards tracking his phone worked out that his yacht could be in the River Medina or Newtown Creek.
The crew of a coastguard helicopter spotted his boat near Shalfleet Quay on Sunday evening.
The man was discovered trapped between furniture and fittings in the cabin by lifeboat and coastguard rescuers.
A spokesman for Cowes RNLI lifeboat said he was freed and taken ashore to a waiting ambulance.