A NUMBER of coastguard rescue teams ­— including Rescue Helicopter 175 ­— were called to search for a missing yacht off the coast of the Isle of Wight today (Tuesday).

At 2pm, a call came in from a vessel reporting it had lost orientation.

With fog coming in rapidly, a search was put underway to find the vessel.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: "The fog cleared, and nothing had been found.

"It's entirely possible that once the fog cleared, the crew sorted themselves out and got into a safe harbour.

"There's also a possibility it was a hoax call, but we respond to all distress calls at sea."

Among those involved in the search were Bembridge RNLI and Bembridge and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams.

Teams were stood down by 7pm.

A spokesperson for Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We were tasked with Bembridge CRT to support Bembridge RNLI and Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175 with a report of a vessel lost in fog.

"A search of St Catherine's to Sandown Bay from vantage points was carried out, followed by a search along the shoreline.

"Nothing was found and investigations continue."