Coastguards were called out in gale force winds last night after reports that there may people trapped on a barge which was on fire.

Calshot RNLI all weather lifeboat Alexander Coutanche and D class inshore lifeboat Willett were launched to the incident near Northam Bridge, in Southampton.

Crew from Solent Coastguard helicopter reported that there were two sets of footprints in the mud leading to the barge indicating that there may be people aboard.

Due to the position of the barge being grounded in the river, access was not possible by land based rescue services.

The fire was extinguished when the vessel sank.

Once on the scene, at about 5.50pm, working in gale force winds and poor visibility Calshot RNLI lifeboats in conjunction with Solent Coastguard helicopter Rescue 104 and Hamble independent lifeboat, conducted a thorough search of the area.

After two hours of searching and not having found anything and with rapidly deteriorating weather, the coastguard called off the search.