Woman Rescued from Solent Waters in Dramatic Portsmouth Operation
A major rescue mission kicked off in Portsmouth this Saturday afternoon, involving the UK Coastguard, Ministry of Defence Police, a coastguard helicopter, and independent lifeboat crews from Gosport and Fareham.
Woman Found Unconscious Near Clarence Pier
The frantic operation began around 5.30pm after a woman was spotted in the busy Solent waters near Clarence Pier, struggling in front of an incoming vessel. Coastguards, lifeguards, and police scrambled to the scene.
Hampshire Police swiftly cordoned off a large area from Seager Court to Broad Street and Spice Island, near the Sir Ben Ainsley racing yard, with investigations underway.
Heroic Lifeboat Crew Brings Woman Ashore
The woman, believed to be unconscious, was pulled from the sea by the GAFIS lifeboat crew. Onboard, the crew immediately began CPR. Emergency responders awaited at Camber Dock Lifeboat Jetty to continue lifesaving treatment.
A South Central Ambulance spokeswoman said: “A woman in her 40s was found unresponsive in the water and recovered by the Coastguard. She was treated by two ambulance crews, a paramedic team leader, and an emergency doctor before being rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Hovertravel Clarifies No Direct Involvement
Hovertravel addressed rumours, confirming the Solent Flyer hovercraft was not involved in the incident, but its crew raised the alarm after spotting the body. A spokesperson said:
“The ground team alerted the pilot about a body in the water as part of our safety procedures. The pilot landed safely, and our service is running as usual. Emergency services have recovered the person, and police are investigating.”
Coastguard and MOD Police Join Forces for Rescue
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency confirmed multiple 999 calls were received reporting the incident near the hovercraft slipway in Southsea. Rescue teams from Portsmouth Coastguard, Gosport lifeboat, Lee-on-Solent search and rescue helicopter, and MOD Police vessels responded immediately.
The woman was successfully pulled from the water and handed over to ambulance crews for urgent care.
More updates to follow as the investigation continues.
