Dramatic Coastguard Rescue at The Needles Ends Safely
A Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lee-on-the-Solent was scrambled to the Isle of Wight this Saturday afternoon after two free climbers got stuck 35 metres above the sea at The Needles.
Climbers in Peril Call 999
The pair found themselves in trouble on the northern side of the second island at The Needles, a stunning but treacherous spot. They quickly dialled 999 and called for the Coastguard just after 4.30pm, sparking a swift rescue operation.
All Hands on Deck for the Rescue
- Lee-on-Solent HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter dispatched
- Freshwater Independent Lifeboat deployed
- Needles Coastguard Rescue Team mobilised
- Needles NCI provided vital intel for the mission
The helicopter winched the stranded climbers to safety and landed them on the headland, where the Needles Coastguard team took over.
Rescue Team Praise Climbers’ Quick Thinking
“The climbers did exactly the right thing by calling 999. Thankfully, after checks by the winchman paramedic, both men were well enough to make their own way home,” said William Mills, Senior Maritime Operations Officer, HM Coastguard.
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