A LIFEBOAT had to launch when people were spotted struggling to return from a walk to St Helens Fort.

Bembridge RNLI's Inshore Lifeboat (RNLB Norman Harvey) launched to locate and assist two people reported as being in difficulty.

It launched earlier this evening (Friday) at the request of Solent Coastguard.

Having launched at just after 8.55pm it did not take them long to reach the area and conduct a visual search of the surrounds of the fort, the shingle causeway and Priory Bay area.

However, while they were conducting the search, Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team confirmed that witnesses had seen three people walking out to the fort who had managed to return safely and had walked along the beach towards Seaview.

The lifeboat thus returned to base.

Members of the public have been asked not to attempt the fort walk this year, due to pressure on the emergency services.