A Mayday call from a man who claimed to have been separated from his canoe is believed to be a hoax. The Solent coastguard called off their search for the caller who radioed in saying he was in water off St Catherine's point near the Isle of Wight follwoing a five-hour search yesterday.

The coastguard helicopter had scouring the Solent, aided by rescue teams from Bembridge and Needles.

A Brittany ferry, two police boats, a helicopter from HMS Ark Royal and a fishing boat were also involved in the search following the broadcast at about 12.18pm.

Fred Caygill, spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: 'We carried out an extensive search for nearly five hours this afternoon. It is now believd it was a malicious.

'Two requests from police for assistance with our helicopter in searching for missing persons had to be declined due to this search.'

Fred Caygill from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: 'This call has wasted time and resources for the emergency services as well as diverting resources from any other potential serious incident where people genuinely need help.

'Hoax or malicious calls can cost lives to be lost.'

Source: portsmouth.co.uk