A young boy and his recuer were both 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 small boy – and a man who had entered the water to save the youngster from drowing.
Island Echo understands that upon seeing a youngster in difficulty a man entered the water in a bid to keep him afloat. The pair – the youngster kept above the water by his rescuer – were then seen to be struggling to get back to shore given the strong current and waves.
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.
Eventually the man was able to place a life buoy around the youngster and then the pair were brought back to shore.
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 before being taken to St Mary’s Hospital.
The crucial part to this story is that ‘the man’ was rescuing the boy… which you fail to mention.
I think perhaps a better description would be “..the man was ATTEMPTING to save the boy before getting into difficulty himself..”
Hi What do I know. Are you okay to meet for a coffee on the esplanade? Thanks
Ummmm what??
He kept his head above water until additional help arrived. I’d say that’s far more than simply attempting to help—it was real, effective action that helped keep the boy alive.
I wasn’t having a pop at him….bloke is an absolute hero, as is all involved. I was replying to the first comment, by Christine, on what she said the article missed out?
Quite right. Whilst respecting his bravery he just caused 2 rescues instead of one.
Quite right. Ended as 2 rescues!
No it clearly states ‘he and his rescuer’ What a thing to quibble about.
Colleen, to be clear, this current article is the updated version since my comment. When it was originally posted it did not mention the involvement of the man.
He didn’t rescue him however. He got into difficulties himself and had to be rescued
Trying to rescue him, but had to be rescued himself.
West Mercia police: “help”…
saves a life.
Hampshire Police “help”….
Don’t think so mate.
but there is a difference…
the West Mercia police officer was Off Duty & therefore effectively just a member of the public.
That he assisted in (potentially) saving two lives, is great.
That he is an (off duty) (West Mercia) police officer, is irrelevant
I would like to think that anyone in the right place at the right time would do similar, but perhaps not
(with their obsession about people crossing the channel in small boats, would a reform supporter need to check that the person in difficulty in the water wasn’t an illegal immigrant, before offering assistance)
Does it matter who helped so long as people WERE helped?