BEMBRIDGE RNLI is involved in a search and rescue response with mainland lifeboats and rescue helicopter this afternoon (Wednesday).

HM Coastguard is currently co-ordinating a search and rescue response following a VHF radio 'Pan-Pan' called in the Solent at around 12.30pm.

Pan-Pan calls are used for urgent situations that are not life-threatening, such as vessel break downs, fuel issues, or fog.

The search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent has been sent as well as the RNLI lifeboats from Bembridge and Portsmouth and the Gosport lifeboat.

Vessels in the area are asked to keep a sharp eye out.

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said: "Anyone with any information at all (or to report an accidental radio Pan-Pan transmission) is asked to contact Solent Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or by calling 02392 552100."

The incident remains ongoing.

UPDATE 5.30pm:

RNLB Alfred Albert Williams (Tamar All-Weather Lifeboat 16-17) was launched at the request of Solent Coastguard at around 1.40pm this afternoon following the receipt of a Distress (MayDay) call from an unknown vessel that said they were taking in water and sinking.

The Alfred Albert Williams headed up towards Cowes but having found no sign of a sinking vessel, she was stood down and and was returning to the Offshore Boathouse when having got as far as Seaview, she was re-tasked to an 11m yacht that was aground on the Bramble Bank.

However, having got to off Gilkicker Point she was stood down after the yacht reported that she was in no danger and with the tide rising did not require any assistance.

The Alfred Albert Williams therefore returned back to the Offshore Boathouse. She was re-housed by 4.15pm.