A man has tragically died after being pulled from the water in front of a packed out beach in Sandown, Police have confirmed.
Emergency services were deployed to the seaside town, near to Sandown Pier, at just before 17:00 this afternoon (Monday), as previously reported by Island Echo.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was scrambled to the scene and landed on the beach. Coastguard Rescue 175 was also scrambled, alongside paramedics from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and Coastguards from Bembridge and Ventnor.
Nearby lifeguards and Police also responded.
Island Echo understands the male – a holidaymaker in his 70s – was sighted in difficulty to the west of the pier before being pulled from the water on a paddleboard by a member of the public, who was also on holiday.
CPR was commenced on the beach and a defibrillator used in a bid to save the man’s life.
Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the man’s life could not be saved and he was declared deceased at the scene.
Hampshire Constabulary has confirmed that the man was pulled unresponsive from the sea and has since died.
Officers remain on scene as the circumstances of the death are established.
Very sad news, condolences to the family. Also to all who helped to try and save his life. XX
Just trying to have a nice day out ….poor bloke ….
Very Very sad news, my thoughts are with his loved ones, we don’t want anymore reports like this….however, sadly we will hear more this summer…
Such sad news,thoughts are with the family R.I.P
This is sad,such a tragedy,may he rip,my thoughts go out to his family and friends x
Very tragic. So sorry to read this.
Just to confirm – a paddle board was used as a stretcher to remove this gentleman from the sea, where he was found to be flailing in the shoreline. He had walked into the sea on his own and perhaps had a heart attack. Rip
He probably died doing what he loved the most, swimming in open waters. A lesson to us all, never under estimate the strength of tidal currents even if, like this poor chap, you may think you’re a proficient swimmer.