A BODY has been found this morning, prompting a search for a yacht in the Solent.

Police and HM Coastguard were called to East Cowes on the Isle of Wight after the body of a man washed up near the Floating Bridge.

The individual, who has yet to be identified, is believed to have come from a yacht which was thought to be in the Solent.

The RNLI were dispatched to search for the vessel, which was later found to be in Cowes Yacht Haven.

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary are on the scene and the force's Marine Policing Unit has been involved.

In a statement, a police spokesperson said: "The death is being treated as unexplained at this time.

"Officers are conducting routine initial enquiries to establish more details about the identity of the body.

"Anyone with information can contact police by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101."

The RNLI released a statement, which said: "Cowes RNLI lifeboat was launched this morning to search for a yacht following the discovery of a body of a man close to the East Cowes shore of the River Medina, a few metres from the floating bridge. 

"The search for the boat was under the direction of Solent Coastguards; taking part were a Cowes Harbour Commision launch and onshore coastguards from Newport and Bembridge. Meanwhile the police, initially supported by a police launch, were carrying out detailed investigations in the area where the body was found. "

"Later the lifeboat crew heard that the yacht from which the man was thought to have come was discovered in Cowes Yacht Haven. It was ascertained no-one else from the yacht was missing."

Cowes lifeboat, which was launched at 10.45am, returned to station at 12.35pm.