A body has been recovered from the River Itchen in Southampton almost a week after a frantic search was launched for a missing man.
The Coastguard initiated a major rescue operation on Sunday, October 6, after reports of a man missing near the river. Helicopters, RNLI lifeboats, and Coastguard teams conducted continuous searches for over 12 hours each day.
Although helicopters returned to base earlier in the week, search efforts persisted on the water and from the shore.
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the grim discovery just after 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, near the Itchen Bridge.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of the missing man who had been searched for since October 7 have been notified,” said a police spokesperson.
The man’s identity and further details remain confidential as the investigation continues.
The multi-agency search effort included lifeboats from Calshot and Cowes, rescue teams from Hill Head and Lymington, and support from South Central Ambulance Service.
An RNLI spokesperson stated: “The lifeboat launched at 5:25 a.m., searching the River Itchen from Southampton Water to Northam Bridge.”
No further information is expected as police carry out their inquiries.
Originally published by UKNIP.
