Isle of Wight Police have commended the swift response of the Coastguard after a recent incident along the seafront in Sandown, which involved a large-scale operation to locate a man.
In a statement, Isle of Wight Police described the incident as a busy couple of night shifts. Overnight, there was significant Police and Coastguard activity along the Sandown seafront due to concerns for the man’s safety.
The Coastguard responded promptly, deploying a helicopter, boats, and personnel on foot to aid in the search. Flares were used to illuminate the area, and Isle of Wight Police utilized a drone equipped with heat-seeking capability to assist in locating the individual.
After an extensive search, the man was found in the water. Given the sea temperature, which was 16°C, authorities noted that he was likely cold. However, thanks to the coordinated efforts of the emergency services, the incident was safely resolved.
Isle of Wight Police extended their gratitude to the Coastguard for their rapid response, emphasizing their consistent dedication to emergency situations around the island. The police also praised the efforts of the RNLI and other emergency services, highlighting the selfless commitment of those who put themselves at risk to rescue others at sea.
In addition to the seafront incident, Isle of Wight Police recounted their activities from the previous night, which included dealing with several violent individuals and responding to numerous emergency calls. Arrests were made for various offences, including domestic assaults, assaults on emergency workers, harassment, and stalking.
The statement serves as a reminder of the critical role played by emergency services in safeguarding coastal communities and ensuring the safety of individuals in distress at sea.
