Tragedy in Portsmouth Harbour: Woman Dies After Being Rescued from Water
A 59-year-old woman has died after being pulled from Portsmouth Harbour, despite frantic rescue efforts. Emergency crews and lifeboat teams battled to save her life, but she was pronounced dead at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Rescue Drama at Hovercraft Slipway
The incident unfolded around 5.30pm near the Hovercraft slipway. Eyewitnesses say the woman entered the water close to Clarence Pier, swam for a few minutes, then vanished beneath the surface.
- Passers-by quickly dialled 999 after spotting her in distress
- She was later seen floating lifeless past the hovercraft channel
- The GAFIRS lifeboat crew hauled her aboard near the end of the pier
Heroic Lifeboat Crew Fought to Save Her
“We were tasked at 5.30pm and launched within six minutes. We reached the scene four minutes later and recovered the casualty from the water,” said James Baggott, coxswain of the GAFIRS lifeboat.
“One of my crew, a Hampshire paramedic, performed CPR alongside another crew member before handing her over to the South Central Ambulance Service at Camber Dock.”
Portsmouth coastguard rescue helicopter and Hampshire Police also attended the scene.
Police Confirm Death and Investigation Details
A Hampshire police spokeswoman said:
“We were called shortly after 5.45pm on Saturday 24 April to reports of an unconscious woman in the water near Clarence Esplanade, Southsea. Despite efforts, the 59-year-old was pronounced dead at Queen Alexandra Hospital that evening.”
Next of kin have been informed and are receiving support. Police say there is no suspicion of foul play, and the hovercraft is not believed to be involved. A file will be prepared for the coroner.
