UPDATED: Coastguard Rescue Teams were this afternoon (Sunday) tasked to Ventnor Esplanade after a series of 999 calls reported a kite surfer in difficulty.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team attended the incident at just gone 15:45, where it was discovered that a kite surfer had lost his chute.
Thankfully, the unknown man managed to make his own way back to the shore and was uninjured. Ventnor Coastguard spoke to the gentleman before standing down.
Coastguard Rescue 106 helicopter from Portland was on a training exercise in the area and was notified of the alert, however were not required after sweeping the area.
UPDATE MONDAY: A passer-by who spotted the kite surfer in the water and alerted the emergency services has told Island Echo how they thought the kite surfer was unconscious and feared he would be killed with the strong tide taking him towards the rocks.
A motionless body in the water moving towards the shore sparked one member of the public to rush towards the sea to assist in the kite surfer’s recovery. In doing so they slipped over, breaking their wrist.
This story highlights the dangers of going to sea in adverse weather and the effects it can have on not just yourself, but everyone around you including members of the public and the emergency services.
Residents are advised to stay away from the coast during these strong winds and rough seas.
Photos: Shane Thornton
