Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 has been deployed to a remote beach near Blackgang this afternoon (Monday) following reports of a man suffering a medical emergency..
HM Coastguard was first alerted to the incident on the beach between Blackgang and St Catherine’s Point at around 15:55.
Due to the remote location of the shout, and the initial information received, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 – which was carrying out training near Bournemouth – was diverted to the scene, landing on the beach at the South Wight beauty spot.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from Needles and nearby Ventnor have rushed to the scene, setting up a rendezvous point at the Old Blackgang Road car park.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has dispatched an ambulance and operational commander to the scene.
UPDATE @ 19:04 – The incident continues more than 3 hours after it begun, hindered by the truly remote nature of the emergency.
Rescue 175 has carried out a refuel at its Lee-on-Solent base and has returned to the incident, landing at Chale Recreation Ground.
UPDATE @ 20:30 – Several hours after the alarm was first raised, the casualty has been successfully airlifted from the beach to a landing site at Chale Rec.
The male has been transferred into an ambulance for onward conveyance to St Mary’s Hospital.
The incident is now drawing to a close.
We are very lucky to have those guys who risk all to help please. Well done.