REPORTS of a person in the water off Sandown Pier has led to a Coastguard response this evening.

Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team, Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat, Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, along with His Majesty’s Coastguard helicopter based at Lee-on-Solent, are responding to reports that first came in at 5.40pm today (Friday).

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "This is ongoing and we have no further information at this time."

More to follow.

Update 7.20pm: 

The launch was to locate and assist a teenage boy who was in the water after his kayak had capsized.

Bembridge Lifeboat said the incident happened "at the far end of Whitecliff Bay" - HM Coastguard had earlier said the search was around Sandown Pier.

Bembridge Lifeboat added: "Conditions were very benign so it did not take long to reach the area and locate the boy who was OK, although very cold.

"Having got him aboard, the lifeboat returned to the offshore boathouse to await the arrival of an ambulance to check him over." 

Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat recovered the kayak.

Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175 also deployed but returned to base once it was clear that the teenager was safely onboard the lifeboat.