Body found in helicopter and lifeboat search for missing kayaker

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Stephen Taylor vanished in Solent after leaving Lee-on-Solent yesterday
He was in touch with partner during day but he later failed to return home
She then called police and major air-sea search mission was launched
'Sighting' last night and a body - awaiting formal ID - was found today

Published: 07:09 EST, 19 April 2015 | Updated: 13:51 EST, 19 April 2015

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A body was found today after a major air-sea search mission for a kayaker who went missing.

Stephen Taylor, went missing in the Solent after leaving Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire at about 11.30am yesterday in his kayak with the intention of paddling west to Lepe Beach.

The 54-year-old experienced canoeist was in touch with his partner Michelle Fuller, 49, throughout the day - but when he failed to return home late in the evening she alrted police.

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Search: Helicopter and lifeboats were combing the Solent off Hampshire for the missing kayaker last night

Sending a team: Stephen Taylor went missing in the Solent after leaving Lee-on-Solent at 11.30am yesterday

A coastguard helicopter, rescue teams and lifeboats were launched to search off the coast of Hill Head - and police revealed shortly after midday today that a body had been found.

It is believed there may have been a sighting of Mr Taylor, from Gosport, at about 10.50pm last night by a passing vessel.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: ‘Police assisting in the search for missing kayaker, 54-year-old Stephen Taylor, can confirm a body has been located.

Helicopter and lifeboat search for missing kayaker in Solent

Heading out: A coastguard helicopter, rescue teams and lifeboats were launched to search off Hill Head

Lifeboats: When Mr Taylor failed to return home late in the evening yesterday his partner alerted police

‘Mr Taylor's family have been notified and are being supported by officers. Formal identification procedures have not yet taken place.’

Solent Coastguard's senior coastal operations officer Lucy Tanner added: ‘The casualty has been recovered and it is now being dealt with by police. All of our search units have been stood down.’

Mr Taylor was believed to have been wearing a wetsuit, light blue long-sleeved top, navy blue life jacket with a red detail and a beige sun hat.