A major rescue operation unfolded in Hastings Country Park early morning on Thursday following reports of a walker who had been overdue since late Wednesday afternoon. The Hastings Coastguard team, alongside Sussex Police and several other agencies, launched a comprehensive search for the missing individual.
The operation began after the missing walker’s car was found parked in the country park. With no contact since approximately 5:30 PM the previous day, the search area was extensive and challenging, prompting a response from multiple emergency units. The team included the Hastings Coastguard, the Area Commander from HM Coastguard Bexhill, Rye Bay CRT, HM Coastguard Romney Marsh, and support from Sussex Police units including a helicopter, search dogs, and drone teams. Emergency response was further bolstered by the Southeast Coast Ambulance Service, including their Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), as well as lifeboats from Eastbourne RNLI and Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat conducting shoreline searches.
Using their extensive local knowledge, the Hastings Coastguard was crucial in narrowing down the search area, significantly aiding the police helicopter in locating the walker. The individual was eventually spotted in a dense vegetation area, halfway up a cliff, making access exceedingly difficult.
In a critical move, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was called in due to its winching capabilities to safely extract the stranded walker. The operation saw a successful end as the walker was airlifted and received immediate medical assessment by the helicopter’s winchman/paramedic. Upon landing at a site prepared by Coastguard Rescue Officers, the casualty was handed over to the ambulance service for further care.
The multi-agency effort was commended for its efficiency and cooperation, which ensured the safe recovery of the walker. All units were stood down following the successful rescue. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared and maintaining communication when hiking in remote areas.
