Alert over brothers missing off Isle of Wight possible 'hoax'
A major search operation for two brothers off the coast of the Isle of Wight was sparked by either a hoax or false report, the coastguard has said.
The boys, aged six and eight, were reported missing by their parents from Ryde beach near Appley Tower.
They were said to have last been seen on the seafront at about 12:00 BST.
About 50 people including police, the Solent Coastguard helicopter and the public were involved in the search, which was called off at 16:15 BST.
Coastguards were unable to contact the parents during the three-hour search and said the address they gave "didn't check out".
19 Aug 2013
- From the section Hampshire & Isle of Wight