Solent Coastguard involved in dramatic cliff collapse rescue as walkers left stranded

Two groups of walkers consisting of eight people were taking part in their permitted daily exercise near Shanklin on the Isle of Wight when the collapse happened.

After being alerted to the incident at 4.40pm the Coastguard sent rescue teams from Bembridge and Ventnor as well as the Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent. Hampshire Police, Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and The Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat were also involved in the rescue mission.

The eight walkers were rescued and taken to safety by lifeboat. After the evacuation, emergency services said there were no injuries and that the rescue was conducted by ‘maintaining social distancing procedures’.

David Barker-Hurden, senior maritime operations officer for HM Coastguard, said: ‘There is nothing to suggest these two separate groups were breaking lockdown rules. They were socially distancing from each other on a walk near to their homes. We’re thankful that no-one has been injured in the incident and that people did the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.’

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