A woman is recovering tonight after a dramatic rescue off Stokes Bay, Gosport. The Gosport and Fareham Independent lifeboat sprang into action following urgent calls to the Coastguard.
At around 6.30pm on Tuesday, May 10, police, ambulance, Coastguard rescue teams, and the lifeboat were dispatched after reports of a woman in distress in the water near the Diving Museum on Stokes Bay Road. HM Coastguard confirmed: “Coastguard Rescue Officers were tasked to assist police following reports that a woman had entered the water at Stokes Bay Road. The Independent GAFRIS lifeboat was called out along with Coastguard teams from Hillhead, Lee-on-the-Solent.”
The woman was found a good distance from shore near the paddling pool. GAFRIS coxswain Brian Pack revealed: “Initially she declined our help, but my crew eventually persuaded her to get out of the cold water and onto the lifeboat once she became tired.” She was then brought safely back to the lifeboat station, where ambulance crews were waiting.
Emma Neal, GAFRIS medical coordinator, said: “We kept the casualty warm as she was suffering from moderate hypothermia. She was transferred into the care of South Central Ambulance Service, who took her to Queen Alexandra Hospital for further treatment.”
The entire rescue operation lasted nearly three hours, highlighting the dedication of all emergency services involved.
Originally published by UKNIP.
