A major emergency response was launched in Totton on Monday night after a stolen car was discovered submerged in the waters near Eling Tide Mill, close to Southampton.
At 9:27pm on June 5th, police, Hampshire Fire, South Central Ambulance Service, the UK Coastguard, Calshot RNLI lifeboat, and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter all rushed to Eling Lane, Totton. The silver Vauxhall Astra was found underwater following a short police chase after being stolen earlier during a burglary.
Harsh weather conditions forced the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 to return to its base at Lee-on-the-Solent, limiting aerial search efforts. Despite this, specialist Coastguard teams collaborated with fire crews and ambulance services to deploy FLAIR thermal cameras to scan for any missing occupants.
Firefighters from St Mary’s, Redbridge, and Fareham joined the rescue operation, along with the Hart Team from South Central Ambulance Service and a Coastguard search team from Southampton. The RNLI lifeboat also conducted a sea search in the area.
After an intense two-hour shoreline and water search, no one was found inside the submerged vehicle. Fire crews later assisted in recovering the car from the water.
This dramatic multi-agency operation highlights the ongoing risks associated with vehicle theft and demonstrates the swift, coordinated response of emergency services in Hampshire.
Originally published by UKNIP.
