Pensioner Airlifted to Hospital After Horror Fall on No Man’s Land Fort
An 81-year-old woman was airlifted to hospital late Sunday night after breaking her arm in a fall on No Man’s Land Fort, the infamous historic tower in the middle of the Solent.
Rescue Team Rushed to Scene at Midnight
Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) were scrambled to the luxury hotel fort just before midnight on March 4. Three volunteer crew members, including a Hampshire ambulance paramedic, were deployed to assist the pensioner.
Brian Pack, senior helm at GAFIRS Lifeboat, said: “We were quickly on scene at the fort and placed our crew on board to help. Our paramedic administered pain relief and first aid while waiting for the airlift.”
Coastguard Helicopter Winches Injured Woman to Safety
The UK Coastguard dispatched Rescue 175, a search and rescue helicopter based at Lee-on-the-Solent, to hoist the injured woman off the fort. She was swiftly airlifted to Queen Alexandra Hospital for urgent treatment.
GAFIRS also helped ferry the woman’s relative to berkshire999.co.uk/where/portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth Harbour so they could visit her in hospital.
Volunteers and Helicopter Crew Praised for Lifesaving Efforts
Mr Pack praised the teamwork involved: “This incident shows how vital independent lifeboats like GAFIRS are in the Solent. Credit to the helicopter pilots – their skill is outstanding.”
He added: “We’re proud to assist and wish the injured woman a speedy recovery.”
GAFIRS Lifeboat operates from Stokes Bay, Gosport, independently of the RNLI. They’re on call 24/7, 365 days a year, relying entirely on local community support to carry out their lifesaving missions.
