Major Rescue Operation Underway After Woman Found Floating in Solent
A dramatic rescue mission kicked off in Portsmouth this Saturday afternoon after a woman was spotted unconscious in the busy Solent waters near Clarence Pier at around 5.30pm.
Coastguard, Lifeboats & MOD Police Join Forces
The UK Coastguard, Ministry of Defence Police, Portsmouth and Lee-on-Solent Coastguard teams, along with Gosport and Fareham lifeboats and a Coastguard rescue helicopter, scrambled immediately. Lifeguards also rushed to the scene after a hovercraft crew spotted the woman’s body drifting in the sea.
She was quickly pulled from the water by a GAFIS lifeboat crew, who began CPR on board as officers worked frantically to save her life.
Emergency Crews Work Round the Clock
South Central Ambulance Service confirmed a woman in her 40s was found unresponsive and treated at Camber Dock Lifeboat Jetty, where paramedics and an emergency doctor were waiting. She was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in a life-threatening condition.
A South Central Ambulance spokeswoman said: “The woman was recovered by the Coastguard and taken straight into the care of ambulance crews and emergency medics at the jetty.
Police Launch Investigation as Area Remains Cordoned Off
Hampshire Police have sealed off a large section of Southsea from Seager Court to Broad Street and Spice Island near the Sir Ben Ainsley racing yard as part of an ongoing investigation.
Hovertravel, which operates the Solent Flyer hovercraft ferry, issued a statement confirming their crew were not involved but did alert authorities after spotting the body. The hovercraft landed safely and continues to operate normally.
Hovertravel said: “The pilot landed safely after being notified about a body in the water. Emergency services promptly recovered the person and police are handling the matter.”
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Confirms Incident
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency revealed they received multiple 999 calls at 5.30pm reporting the incident. Coastguard rescue teams, the Gosport independent lifeboat, Lee-on-Solent rescue helicopter, MOD Police vessels, and South Central Ambulance Service responded swiftly.
A statement confirmed: “A woman was pulled from the water and passed into the care of the ambulance service.”
More updates to follow as investigators continue to piece together what happened in Portsmouth’s waterfront drama.
