COASTGUARD rescue teams are on Shanklin beach, assisting the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service with a medical emergency.

The incident is on the busy Esplanade, where there are a lot of people enjoying the beach.

An eyewitness told our reporter at the scene that a man has been dragged out of the sea and was unresponsive.

More to follow.

4.15pm: Isle of Wight Police are in attendance, and the Coastguard helicopter is overhead. Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams are at the scene. 

4.20pm: Southern Vectis has reported delays to the Shanklin Steamer route, due to the incident on the seafront.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Update 4.40pm: A spokesperson from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "At 3.39pm today, HM Coastguard received a report of a person in the water at Shanklin Esplanade, near Shanklin Sandown Rowing Club.

"The person required medical attention and we have been assisting the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

"We sent Ventnor and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Teams - and also tasked the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-Solent. A medical helicopter is also en-route to the scene."