UPDATED: A boy has this evening (Wednesday) been dragged from the sea at Sandown and given medical attention on the beach in front of onlooking families, according to witnesses.
Emergency services were called to the scene near to the Driftwood beach bar at around 19:25 after members of the public pulled the male, described as a young boy, from the water.
According to those at the scene, ‘CPR was given’ for an extended period of time before the boy was rushed by land ambulance to St Mary’s Hospital in Newport just before 20:00. The youngster is believed to be in a stable condition tonight.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Culver Parade was blocked for a short period by the emergency service vehicles attending the incident. At least two Police units and two ambulances responded to the scene.
UPDATE @ 22:30 – Witnesses have described to Island Echo how the boy was safe and just off of the shore when suddenly he could not touch the seabed and started to panic, taking in an excessive amount of sea water.
Amazingly, two of the boy’s friends managed to use their strength to pull him ashore with the assistance of a third. A 14-year-old Island girl who assisted in the rescue was taken to hospital for a check up, however has since been discharged. Island Echo understands the boy is to remain in hospital overnight.
Martin Groom, Station Officer with Bembridge Coastguard, has this week issued a safety warning to those both beside and on the sea this Summer. Martin said:
“We want everyone to enjoy the Island’s sea and beaches at this time of year, but ask parents to keep a close eye on where their children are as they can easily become separated on a busy beach whilst playing.
Article continues below this advertisement “Boat owners are also asked to make sure all their equipment is in good working order and to always carry life jackets, an anchor and either a VHF radio or at least a charged mobile phone when they go afloat and to also let someone on shore know their plans and what time they expect to be back .
“Simple precautions keep everyone safe and able to enjoy their time on or by the sea”.
This latest incident comes just weeks after an 8-year-old boy was at the center of a similar incident at Appley Beach in Ryde.
