HM Coastguard and RNLI search Plymouth Sound

Emergency services have been in attendance on Plymouth Hoe and surrounding waters since approx 11:10pm last night, Monday 18th March, following reports of a man in the water. The HM Coastguard helicopter was searching using spotlights for hours in conjunction with the RNLI who had multiple units in the water.

Image source: unknown

Reports are of a man entering the water from Madeira Road and not returning to the shore. Until now, noone has yet to be recovered.

Devon and Cornwall Police issued a statement at 8:54am this morning;

"Police were called at around 11.10pm on Monday 18 March following reports of a concern for the welfare of a man in the water off Madeira Road, Plymouth.

HM Coastguard, helicopter and police dive teams also attended but were unable to locate the man.

The dive team has returned to the scene this morning and searches are ongoing. The man's next of kin have been informed."

Eyewitness Hannah Megraw posted a video of the search to Plymouth Live and stated that the public were asked to leave the area.

Image source: Hannah Megraw

Eyewitnesses reported Police tape and heavy presence by the waters edge just below The Terrace Cafe.

Image source: Callum Maclean

Image source: Michelle Walsh

Image source: Michelle Walsh

At one point, the HM Coastguard Helicopter was the #2 most tracked aircraft on the app, FlightRadar, with 412 people tracking it live.

Dive teams have been spotted by eyewitnesses this morning and the search is still ongoing. Praise has been given to Plymouth RNLI and HM Coastguard along with the other emergency services involved in the incident.

UPDATE 12:50pm

Emergency services have appealed to the public to please stay away from the Hoe and search area. The RNLI and dive teams are still searching in and around the water with ground assistance from Police.

Michelle Walsh