A kayaker had to be placed onto a stretcher and hauled up the cliff face by HM Coastguard after becoming injured near Freshwater earlier this afternoon (Saturday).
Freshwater Independent Lifeboat was tasked to launch by Solent Coastguard shortly before 12:30 when reports were received that a kayaker had sustained a leg injury on the West Wight coast.
Due to complexity of the situation, it was determined the best course of action would be to evacuate the casualty by lifting them up the cliff at Watcombe Bay before transferring them to the awaiting ambulance.
Coastguard Rescue Teams from The Needles and Ventnor were mobilised to conduct the technical rescue shortly before 13:00. The assistance of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service was also requested.
The incident was brought to a close by 14:50.
Yarmouth RNLI were also in action today when a distress beacon was activated in the Western Solent.
The alert was deemed a false alarm and the Severn-class lifeboat crew were stood down.
UPDATE @ 21:10 – It was initially reported that the casualty was transferred to an awaiting ambulance. It has since transpired that the male was taken to hospital by his partner in a private vehicle.
The kayaker sustained a leg injury, according to Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team.
