A MAJOR rescue operation involving a coastguard helicopter was launched yesterday after a swimmer went missing in the Solent.

Lifeboat crews and coastguards from four different stations were involved in the search for a man off the coast of Cowes.

He was reported to have got into trouble after entering the sea by the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Crews from Cowes, Yarmouth, Calshot, and Gosport launched the search at 3.39pm.

Three Isle of Wight coastguard teams also attended, assembling on Cowes seafront.

The team carried out an extensive search but was stood down later in the night. 

After finding no trace of the man, the search was called off at 10.30pm.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News