A man and a young boy were rescued after getting into trouble in the water off Ventnor Breakwater this afternoon (Wednesday) by a member of West Mercia Police who is visiting the Isle of Wight on holiday.
Stuart Coote, who is here taking a well-deserved summer break from his role as an officer with West Mercia Police, has told Island Echo how he, along with other members of the public, played a huge part in saving the lives of a man and a small boy who were experiencing difficulty in the water just off Ventnor Breakwater.
Stuart said that he, together with members of the public, phoned for help before locating and throwing life buoys into the sea.
He recalled the huge waves that were throwing the male and a small boy around, causing struggle and panic within the water.
The incident occurred at around 15:55, following their call, which prompted the deployment of Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team as previously reported by Island Echo.
Having been in exactly the right place at the right time, a team of Stuart and a canoeist were able to get the lifebuoy to the pair and pull them ashore whilst waiting for assistance.
It was then that Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams arrived at the scene alongside crews from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, including a critical care paramedic.
The pair both suffered some minor injuries as a result of the dramatic incident and were seen to by paramedics on scene.
