A major search was launched in Douglas Bay at around 2.30 this morning (Friday).

Douglas Lifeboat was launched and the Douglas Coastguard Rescue Team scrambled after getting reports of a man running in to the water opposite Colours nightclub on Douglas Promenade and not being seen to return ashore.

Coastguard personnel, including officers with immersion suits, carried out a shoreline search both on foot and in four wheel drive vehicles, while Douglas Lifeboat carried out a close inshore search and also deployed its inflatable dinghy.

Search lights and illuminating parachute flares were used by both the Coastguard and Lifeboat, and police officers also took part in the search.

The search was stood down at 4.15am when the man believed to be involved was located ashore.

The Coastguard is re-iterating its message that anyone observing a rescue or emergency situation at sea or on the coast should dial 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.