Major rescue operation is launched after woman goes overboard pleasure vessel off the Isle of Wight
A woman has gone overboard from a pleasure boat sparking a major rescue operation off the Isle of Wight.
HM Coastguard said it was coordinating a response following a report of a woman going missing south of Ventnor.
The alarm was raised at around 1.45pm.
Two search and rescue helicopters and a plane have been sent to the scene alongside the RNLI's all weather lifeboat and one independent lifeboat.
A cross-Channel ferry, Commodore Goodwill, also appears to be assisting with the search.
HM Coastguard said it was coordinating a response following a report of a woman going missing south of Ventnor. File photo
The vessel diverted from its usual route to Portsmouth towards the most southerly point of the Isle of Wight, Island Echo reported.