A 59-year-old woman has died after being pulled from the water in an incident near to Hovertravel’s landing pad in Southsea yesterday (Saturday).
As previously reported by Island Echo, a major rescue operation was launched after an unconscious member of the public was spotted in the water.
Emergency services were called to assist with the incident at around 17:30 with Hampshire Constabulary confirming their response at 17:45.
The casualty was pulled out of the water and given emergency CPR by lifeboat crew members.
This morning, police have confirmed that the casualty – a 59-year-old woman – was pronounced dead at Queen Alexandra Hospital later yesterday evening.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We were called shortly after 17:45 on Saturday 24 April to a report that a woman was unconscious in the water on Clarence Esplanade, Southsea.
“Officers attended and a 59-year-old woman was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Article continues below this advertisement “Despite best efforts, she was sadly pronounced dead on Saturday evening.
“Next of Kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
“Officers do not believe the Hovercraft to have been involved in any way at this time.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file shall be prepared for the coroner.”
Despite national reports that the woman had been ‘sucked underneath’ or ‘hit’ by a hovercraft, Island Echo can confirm this was categorically not the case.
A Hovertravel spokesperson said:
“Contrary to various media reports we can confirm that Solent Flyer was NOT involved with the incident involving a body in water but the crew were alerted. As Solent Flyer landed at Southsea this afternoon, the ground team alerted the pilot about a body in the water, as per Hovertravel’s normal safety procedure. The pilot landed safely and the service is operating as normal.
“The person has subsequently been recovered by the emergency services and the police are dealing with the matter. All further enquiries should be addressed to the police.”
Hovertravel has been running its standard service to timetable since shortly after the incident.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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