A technically challenging rescue operation to extract a male from the side of a cliff is underway in Shanklin tonight (Thursday).
It was shortly before 21:00 – more than 2 hours ago – that HM Coastguard received reports of a male cut off by the tide between Shanklin and Ventnor.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ventnor and Bembridge were mobilised to the scene at Luccombe, alongside Bembridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat, with efforts soon getting underway to try and reach the casualty.
It’s understood the young male had become cut off by the tide and tried to climb the cliff face before becoming stuck.
However, efforts to lower a cliff man down from residential gardens in Luccombe have failed, with no access from the sea possible either.
As a result, Coastguard Rescue 375 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent has now been scrambled to assist in rescuing the male.
The skilled pilots and crew are working to winch the man from the cliff slide and into the helicopter, but the location of the male is proving a challenge.
UPDATE @ 23:38 – The youngster has been successfully winched into the helicopter, bringing his nighttime ordeal to an end.
He has been successfully landed at nearby Big Mead park, where his mother has been awaiting his safe arrival.
A Helicopter Landing Site was established by Coastguard Rescue Officers prior to touch down.
The incident – involving a total of 3 Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Coastguard Rescue helicopter – is now drawing to a close.
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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