HM Coastguard and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service are working together to medivac an injured walker from the depths of Devil’s Chimney at Luccombe this afternoon (Saturday).
As darkness falls, Coastguard teams from Ventnor and Bembridge are assessing and packaging the casualty with a view to stretchering them up the steep incline to the awaiting ambulances at Smuggler’s Haven.
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service has 2 paramedic teams and an operational commander on scene.
Emergency services were alerted to the casualty’s plight at around 16:00.
UPDATE @ 18:10 – With darkness now upon the rescue teams, alternative options are being looked at – including calling in Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter.
It’s understood the walker has been in situ for over 2 hours.
UPDATE @ 19:30 – Coastguard Rescue 175 is battling tricky conditions in a bid to safely airlift the casualty to safety.
A paramedic has however been successfully lowered down from the helicopter into a clearing. A specialist basket stretcher has also been lowered down.
More than 3 hours have now past since the casualty fell.
UPDATE @ 20:30 – After more than 4 hours laying injured in amongst the dense woodland, the casualty has been successfully winched aboard Rescue 175 and airlifted direct to St Mary’s Hospital.
The incredibly difficult access and terrain hampered rescue efforts, but the skill of HM Coastguard volunteers and the Coastguard Helicopter has led to a positive outcome.
Emergency services are now standing down from the incident.
A very big well done to our the emergency services and volunteers
Glad everyone ok