Emergency teams have rescued an elderly man in his 70s – who was suffering from hypothermia – after becoming stuck on the coast at Fort Albert in the West Wight this evening (Monday). HM Coastguard was alerted to the incident between Colwell Bay and Yarmouth at around 17:30, with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Ventnor and The Needles tasked to the scene. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service also mobilised 2 appliances and the rescue support vehicle, acting as a secondary rescue resource. It didn’t take long for firefighters and Coastguard Rescue Officers to reach the casualty, who was then extracted from the area by Lymington RNLI’s inshore lifeboat. Although cold and in shock, the 73-year-old was otherwise uninjured. He was transferred to Yarmouth Harbour where paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service were waiting. The incident had concluded by 19:30.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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what3words have divided the world into 3m squares and given each square a unique combination of three words, which means when you are in a remote area of the Isle of Wight you can get assistance much quicker without the need for local knowledge.
