This just in from the Maritime And Coastguard Agency. Ed
Solent Coastguard have been co-ordinating assistance to the four occupants of a beached speed boat which came ashore on the beach below the cliffs at Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight.
The emergency call at 2.15 this afternoon alerted the Coastguard to their predicament and in particularly, to one male occupant who is aged 70 and appeared to be exhausted and unwell. It appears that the speedboat was swamped and filled with sea water.
The Needles and Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Teams were immediately turned out and a cliffman was lowered to the beach to assess the casualties. The Freshwater Rescue Boat was also requested to launch.
As the incident unfolded it became clear that the older man was not recoverable by the cliff team and the Coastguard helicopter from Lee on the Solent was scrambled.
The helicopter then brought all four people to the top of the cliff and to the Chale recreation ground identified as the helicopter landing site nearby. An ambulance was also called to give any medical attention that may be required.
Catharine Piggin, Solent Coastguard Watch Manager said
The small craft which was close inshore became swamped by large waves which filled the vessel with water and dumped it onto the beach.
We would advise all users of small craft that operating in the surf line can present difficult operating conditions.
