A surfer has been winched to safety by Coastguard helicopter this afternoon (Tuesday) after a large wave struck the surfer separating him from his board.
A member of the public spotted the surfer in difficulty some 200 metres off of Stag Rock in Freshwater Bay just after 13:30, prompting the quick-thinking individual to alert HM Coastguard. In a race to rescue the man, who was waving his arms in distress, Coastguard 104 Rescue Helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was tasked to the scene, alongside The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team and Freshwater Independent Lifeboat.
With a strong swell adding to the difficult situation, the decision was made to pluck the surfer from the sea by winching him to the helicopter, which then landed on a nearby cliff top meeting Coastguard Rescue team members and paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
Amazingly, despite being hit by a large wave and the strong rip current forcing the surfer and board to seperate, the lucky sportsman received no injuries and did not require any medical attention, however was cold and tired from the battle to stay afloat.
Reports indicate a large amount of surfers are in the Freshwater Bay area this afternoon, however no one else is said to have got into difficulty.
Featured photo: Lin Scott
