Late on 17 January 2001 at least two local men aged 18 and 22, went fishing in a 10ft dinghy in Southampton waters. The last known contact with the men was at approximately 11:00 p.m. last night.

Solent Coastguard were informed of the incident at 5:15 p.m. on 18 January 2001 when the wife of one of the missing men made an urgent call to the station when she became increasingly concerned for her husbands continued absence.

An overturned dinghy was finally located at the result of an extensive search by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 'India Juliet', Hamble Rescue Lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Southampton and Hillhead and a Police Launch.

Although moored to a buoy midway between Dockhead and Weston Shore, no persons were found on board the dinghy, however there was evidence of a fishing line attached to the side.

Bob Woodwark, District Controller at Solent Coastguard said, "Although the water temperature is only 8 degrees, the search will continue until midnight tonight and resume at first light tomorrow morning."