A SEARCH and rescue operation for a missing child was launched in the waters off Hampshire after a speedboat with three people on board sunk.

Two of the missing crew were plucked from the water by a passing speedboat, but the third, a child, went missing after they swam towards Portsmouth.

A helicopter from HM Coastguard, Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue (GAFIRS), Ryde Rescue and Cowes lifeboats were all launched to search the waters off Gilkicker Point, Gosport, at around 5.45pm yesterday.

A search of the Solent between Gilkicker Point and Ryde Sands on the Isle of Wight was carried out by the coastguard and lifeboat crews on the water, while shore based crew from GAFIRS scoured the coastline looking for the child.

After a 45-minute search, they had swum ashore and was safe and well with family.

GAFIRS duty officer Chris Newbrook said: “After receiving our pager alert from HM Coastguard our lifeboat crew was quickly on the water to look for the missing person while we also assisted with the search with shore-based crew too.

“When persons are reported missing in the water all available resources are urgently tasked. It’s a great relief that those reported missing are now safe and well.”

The stricken vessel could be seen from Stokes Bay, its bow pointing towards the sky.

GAFIRS lifeboat worked alongside Ryde Rescue to secure the speed boat and remove it from causing a problem to other vessels in the Solent.

Mr Newbrook added: “Working with Ryde Rescue we brought the boat ashore here at Stokes Bay and using our tractor managed to pull it up the beach and to safety.”