It is now believed a swimmer, spotted close to the Cowes breakwater and heading for Gurnard yesterday (Saturday), managed to get out the water safely by himself.

Coastguard rescue teams from Bembridge, Ventnor and The Needles, lifeboat teams from Yarmouth, Cowes and Calshot and Gosport, the helicopter and Hampshire Constabulary were all involved in a major search of the area.

Issuing an update today (Sunday), Solent Coastguards said: "After a thorough and extensive search, information gathered suggests that the possible missing swimmer likely exited the water himself and the search was terminated overnight."

It was sparked when emergency crews were told the man had been spotted swimming in The Solent, near the breakwater wall, close to the Red Funnel terminal.

The alert was raised when a member of the public lost sight of the man.

An appeal was issued on social media for the swimmer to identify himself to the crews.

As previously reported by the County Press, police had cautioned: "There is no confirmation if anyone is missing at sea, or if this person has returned to land and gone on their way."

The emergency crews have now all been stood down.