A NUMBER of people took advantage of this evening's low tide to walk to St Helens Fort and back.

Bembridge RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat had to launch when one walker seemed unaccounted for.

Just after 8pm the RNLB Norman Harvey (D-Class Inshore Lifeboat 778) was launched at the request of Solent Coastguard to assist Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team locate the walker.

The person was one of the last seen around St Helens Fort but following a thorough search of the fort area and shingle causeway, no one was spotted in any difficulty.

The public have specifically been asked not to attempt the fort walk this year.

Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We were tasked following reports of multiple persons attempting to cross the Causeway to reach St Helens Fort.

"With the flooding tide persons soon found themselves in trouble and began the quick walk back to the shore.

"Bembridge RNLI was launched to support in confirming all persons were back safe ashore.

"Tidal conditions are not suitable to walk out to the fort and care should be taken in this area even at low tides."

Bembridge lifeboat had earlier launched to assist a 38ft yacht with damaged sails and engine failure 2nm to the east of Bembridge.

The yacht, from Littlehampton, had two crew onboard, uninjured.

Arrangements were made for Hayling Island RNLI's Atlantic 85 (B829) to take over the tow at the entrance to Chichester Harbour.