A MAJOR search operation took place on the Isle of Wight this morning after a person was spotted 'entering the sea'.

Helicopters, lifeboats and cost guard rescue teams spent almost 10 hours searching the water near Sandown, after an emergency call was made at 3am today.

However rescue bosses say the teams were unable find anything, despite a "comprehensive" search, and have now pulled back from the area.

A spokesperson for the coastguard said rescue teams were launched shortly after 3am, to reports of a person 'entering the sea' near Sandown.

Two coast guard rescue boats were launched, along with two lifeboats, two helicopters and police assistance.

One of the boats launched was RNLB Alfred Albert Williams, from Bembridge RNLI.

On the station's social media page, it said: "We were launched to assist Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, the Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 163 (and subsequently Rescue 175) and local Coastguard teams search for a missing person who had been spotted entering the sea by Sandown Pier and disappearing.

After an extensive search in quite lumpy conditions (West South Westerly Force 4) and no sign of the casualty, the Alfred Albert Williams was stood down at 8.20am.

"She returned to Bembridge and was recovered by 8.45am.

John Keyworth, Lifeboat Operations Manager said "It was a strange start to the Christmas break but this sort of situation is what we are here for."

A spokesperson said now that the search has returned "inconclusive", the case will now be passed on to Hampshire Constabulary.

The Echo has contacted the police for a comment.