A female diver in difficulty just off the Bembridge shoreline has been pulled from the sea in a dramatic rescue this afternoon (Friday).
It was just before 14:00 that the alarm was raised, resulting in the immediate launch of Bembridge RNLI’s inshore lifeboat.
Volunteer crews members were quick to haul the casualty on board and transfer her ashore, where she is now being tended to by paramedics in the lifeboat station.
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team are on scene, alongside a Senior Coastal Operations Officer, with Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent circling in the skies above Lane End.
The helicopter’s onboard paramedic has been winched down to provide immediate casualty care.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has an enhanced care paramedic and 2 ambulance crews in attendance.
Police have been requested.
UPDATE @ 15:15 – The casualty has been stabilised and transferred by land ambulance to Bembridge Airport.
She is now being flown by the Coastguard Helicopter directly to St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester for specialist treatment, bringing the incident to a close.
I read that the inshore lifeboat was launched? In one of the pictures I am sure that I could see the all weather lifeboat near to the boathouse?