An operation to rescue 2 climbers stuck on one of the rocks at The Needles is underway this evening (Saturday).
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175 and The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team have all been tasked to the scene at the most westerly point of the Isle of Wight.
It’s understood the individuals have got in difficulty whilst climbing on one of the rocks leading out to the famous red and white lighthouse.
Freshwater’s lifeboat is on scene but the assistance of the Coastguard helicopter has been called upon. The AW189 Helicopter is en-route to The Needles.
UPDATE @ 18:45 – The situation has been brought to a safe conclusion. The climbers have been winched up into the helicopter and transferred to the top of Tennyson Down.
Freshwater Lifeboat has now re-housed at the lifeboat station and Coastguard Rescue 175 has returned to base at Lee-on-Solent.
UPDATE SUNDAY – The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have released further details about the incident.
It has been confirmed that the pair of free climbers got into difficulty approximately 35 meters above the water, on the northern side of the second island at the Needles.
The climbers were winched off The Needles by Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter and taken to the headland, where they were met by Needles Coastguard Rescue Team.
William Mills, Senior Maritime Operations Officer, HM Coastguard said:
“When the free climbers into difficulty they did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Thankfully after being checked over by the helicopter’s winchman paramedic both men were able to make their own way home.
“Remember if you get into difficulty or see anyone in trouble out at sea or along the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard”.
Team tasked this evening to establish a HLS to receive 2 climbers winched to safety by CG Rescue 175
The 2 got into difficulty climbing on one of the rocks which makes up the Needles Landmark.
With @FLifeboat keeping watch from the sea below. pic.twitter.com/jE6ucUiH9r— Needles Coastguard (@needlescrt) March 30, 2019
these people’s fool hardy Ness should be made to be explained and they should be brought to book .They are not hero’s just idiots .