Search launched after emergency beacon signal activated

Crews responding to Personal Locator Beacon activation within five-mile radius of Snaefell

Emergency services are carrying out a search and rescue operation after a Personal Locator Beacon was activated on the Isle of Man.

Coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter are involved in the response.

The beacon is believed to be within a five-mile radius of Snaefell, creating a large search area.

A message was issued by the Isle of Man Coastguard at around 4pm.

In the last hour, Flightradar24 and Marine Traffic websites have shown the coastguard helicopter and a lifeboat from Ramsey RNLI searching waters along the east coast of the Island. 

Coastguard officers are asking vessel and beacon owners to check their equipment in case the signal was triggered accidentally.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Marine Operations Centre on 01624 686 628.