Massive Rescue Mission in Portsmouth After Woman Found Floating in Solent
A major rescue operation erupted in Portsmouth this Saturday afternoon after a woman was spotted unconscious in the busy waters of the Solent near Clarence Pier at around 5:30pm.
Coastguard, Lifeboats and Police Rush to Scene
The UK Coastguard, Ministry of Defence Police, Gosport and Fareham independent inshore lifeboat crews, alongside the Portsmouth and Lee on Solent Coastguard teams, scrambled immediately. A coastguard rescue helicopter was also deployed to aid the urgent operation.
The woman’s lifeless body was seen floating in the sea before she was pulled out by the GAFIS lifeboat crew. Onboard, rescuers performed CPR as frontline emergency services arrived.
Police Lock Down Southsea Waterfront
Hampshire Police swiftly cordoned off a large section of Southsea from Seager Court to Broad Street and Spice Island near the Sir Ben Ainsley racing yard. An investigation is now underway.
A South Central Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “The incident involved a woman in her 40s found unresponsive in the water by the Coastguard. She was recovered to Camber Dock Lifeboat Jetty where two ambulance crews, a paramedic team leader, and an emergency doctor provided immediate treatment.”
After initial care, the patient was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Hovertravel Confirms No Involvement in Incident
Hovertravel, which operates the Solent Flyer hovercraft between the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth, confirmed their vessel was not involved, though their crew was alerted.
A spokesperson said: “As the Solent Flyer landed at Southsea, our ground team notified the pilot about a body in the water—standard safety protocol. The pilot landed safely, the service is operating normally, and the emergency services recovered the person. The police are now handling the matter.”
Official Statements from Maritime & Coastguard Agency
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported: “At around 5:30pm on Saturday 24 April, HM Coastguard received multiple 999 calls about an incident near the hovercraft slipway in Southsea, Portsmouth. Portsmouth coastguard rescue teams, Gosport lifeboat, Lee-on-Solent search and rescue helicopter, MOD Police vessels, and the South Central Ambulance Service were dispatched. A woman was pulled from the water and passed into ambulance care.”
More details are expected as investigations continue.
