COWES RNLI Lifeboat was involved in a major search and rescue operation on Monday night along with UK coastguard after receiving a mayday call from a 70ft yacht taking on water in the Solent.
The mayday call at 9.45pm told the UK Coastguard that there were seven on board with lifejackets and their pumps were not coping.
Hill Head Coastguard Rescue Team, two Gosport Inshore Lifeboats, Calshot and Cowes RNLI inshore Lifeboats and the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Lee Solent are currently carrying an extensive search of the area.  The Hampshire Police Vessel is also assisting and South Central Ambulance have been notified and are on standby.
The UK Coastguard issued a Mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area to maintain a lookout and assist the rescue operation if necessary.
However, after searching for hours and finding nothing, the emergency services stood down at just after 1am on Tuesday morning.