Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service rescued 3 people who were trapped in the Shanklin Cliff Lift for 45 minutes earlier this afternoon (Monday).
The unfortunate trio were on their way down when the lift stopped unexpectedly. To add to the drama, there was no phone line as it was being repaired – but luckily there was mobile reception so the alarm could be raised.
Firefighters from Shanklin and Ventnor were alerted to the incident shortly before 16:00 and the crews worked to lower the lift before releasing the captive trio.
1 of those rescued contacted Island Echo to express their gratitude to the fire service.
They said:
“A big thank you to the Fire Brigade that rescued us from the Shanklin lift this afternoon.”
It should not have been in use ,without a working phone line !!!!
Bloody Van drivers coursing problems everywhere…..
Gosh lucky the cable never snapped as you would plunge to your death, frightening.
Good job our Firemen are so able to fix such as well as fight fire and rescue stuck animals.
Lifts are built to ‘fail safe’. They do not fall if the cable snaps.
It’s council run so expect it was a soft wear issue!
ZERO HEALTH AND SAFETY, SUMS UP THE ISLAND
All those houses at the bottom have gone to waste for decades. Moved out because of a cliff fall that never happened. A friend of mine use to live in one back in the 80’s. Another council fail.
What’s that got to do with getting stuck in the lift??
I hope those involved will be given a refund, I’d certainly want my money back!
It wouldn’t be summer without a few traumatised tourists stuck in the lift, but the Health and Safety Executive should be informed because running this lift without a working emergency phone has got to be a breach of Health and safety laws.
Talking of lifts, I wonder when the last time was when the
Needles chairlift was serviced.
Lol