TWO people were rescued from the sea after an aircraft ditched in the Solent near Southampton Water.

HM Coastguard were called to an incident at Calshot Spit after an aircraft went down into the water yesterday afternoon.

Two people were onboard the aircraft and both were rescued.

They were found and rescued by a nearby vessel after they were able to climb out of the aircraft.
Daily Echo: A "small" aircraft crashed into the sea at Calshot Spit. Photo:Christina GrindeyA "small" aircraft crashed into the sea at Calshot Spit. Photo:Christina Grindey

Neither of the casualties required medical assistance were were declared well.

The aircraft was beached by Calshot and Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team.

A witness described the aircraft as a “small aeroplane” and said that lifeboat, air ambulance, coastguard and fire crews were on the scene.

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said any pollution damage is to be assessed and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s Duty counter-pollution and salvage officer had been contacted.

Daily Echo:

They said yesterday: “At 2.43pm this afternoon, HM Coastguard received numerous reports that a light aircraft had ditched into the water off Calshot Spit on the Solent.

“It was confirmed two people were on-board the aircraft. Both people were able to climb out of the aircraft after it came down and were then rescued by a nearby vessel.

“Hamble independent lifeboat escorted both casualties to Hamble Lifeboat Station. 

“Neither person required medical assistance and both were declared well by the South Central Ambulance Service. They also made contact with Hampshire Police at the lifeboat station.
Daily Echo:

“The aircraft is now beached at Calshot and Lymington Coastguard Rescue Team are securing it. The Air Accident Investigation Branch have been informed.

“Any possible pollution damage will be assessed and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency’s duty counter pollution and salvage officer has been informed,” the statement added.

Portsmouth-based company Plane Finder was able to track the aircraft.​