2 Coastguard Rescue Teams and Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat are responding to an ongoing incident in the Colwell Bay area of the West Wight tonight (Saturday).
Island Echo understands that Solent Coastguard requested the launch of the Severn-class lifeboat from Yarmouth at around 22:00.
The volunteer crew have indeed launched the lifeboat and have rushed around the coast to Colwell Bay, where a search appears to have begun. The lifeboat is closing in on the Brambles Chine and Cliff End area.
The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team have also been seen responding to the area.
Island Echo has been told by locals that a group of teenagers were seen having a party in the area of the old bomb shelter at Colwell, although it is unknown at this time if there is any connection to this incident.
A yellow weather warning is in force tonight for strong winds and storm surges, which will no doubt make the emergency response all that more difficult, especially under the blanket of darkness.
UPDATE @ 23:05 – It has been confirmed that a medical emergency has resulted in a multi-agency response tonight involving Freshwater’s Co-Responder, Needles CRT, Ventnor CRT, Yarmouth RNLI, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Hampshire Constabulary.
1 male – thought to be an intoxicated teenager – has been conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital by Ambulance.
Island Echo has been told by witnesses that the casualty fell onto a beach shelter after taking a tumble.
Yarmouth Lifeboat remains on the water and appears to be sweeping along the coast from Totland.
UPDATE SUNDAY @ 01:15 – Needles CRT have this morning confirmed their attendance at the incident, initially being tasked by Solent Coastguard alongside Ventnor CRT, to locate 2 unaccounted for 14 year old teenagers after their friend fell down a cliff.
The fallen friend, who sustained injuries, was helped by a fisherman who was in the area and placed into the care of the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Freshwater Co-Responder.
The 2 missing teenagers were found safe and well.
Needles CRT returned to station at 00:15.
WATCH: Yarmouth RNLI launches to tonight’s incident from Yarmouth Harbour
Why bother !