WALKER RESCUED BY COASTGUARDS HIGH UPON VENTNOR’S ST BONIFACE DOWN

A walker has been rescued by Coastguards after falling in a remote spot on St Boniface Down in Ventnor earlier this afternoon (Saturday).  Ventnor and Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Teams were mobilised to the highest point of the Isle of Wight – 242m above sea level – at around 14:15. It followed a request for assistance from blue light colleagues at the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service. The casualty was soon located on the southern side of the downland overlooking the town of Ventnor with medical attention given by paramedics and Coastguard Rescue Officers. Due to the casualty’s position and condition, the assistance of Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter from Lee-on-Solent was called upon. Shortly before 16:00, the helicopter crew winched the injured person into the aircraft before touching down on St Boniface Down itself, as ground-based Coastguards secured a landing site. The casualty was then stretchered a short distance into an awaiting ambulance for onward conveyance to St Mary’s Hospital by land.