MISSING WALKER LOCATED AND AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL

A 48-year-old man who was reported missing by his wife after he went out walking near Kingston in Devon earlier this afternoon, has been located and airlifted to hospital after a search coordinated by Brixham Coastguard.

The concerned wife contacted Brixham Coastguard at 7.30 this evening to report that her husband had set out to walk from Wonwell Beach to Challaborough earlier that afternoon and despite his plans to call her when he was ready to be picked up and brought home, she had not heard from him.  Brixham Coastguard sent the Bigbury, Hope Cove and Yealm Coastguard Rescue Teams to the scene to begin a strategic search of four search areas, with Yealm Coastguard Rescue Team also providing a communications link between the other resources involved.  A Devon and Cornwall Police Helicopter and a Royal Navy Helicopter from RNAS Culdrose were also scrambled to search along the southwest coast path.  With poor weather on scene (rain and strong winds) and the walker reported to be wearing shorts, a fleece and non-waterproof shoes, concern was growing for the missing man. 

At 9.05 pm the Police helicopter located the man in a cove on Gutterslide Beach near Beacon Point.  The man was winched into the Royal Navy helicopter and transferred to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth to be treated for lacerations to his legs along with other minor injuries.

Andy Huber, Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said:
“With darkness falling when the original call was received, along with heavy rain and strong winds in the area, we knew that it was imperative we found the missing walker as soon as possible.  With several different services and teams working together we were able to cover the search area more quickly and, with the aid of the Police helicopter’s infra-red camera, locate the missing man.  If you are venturing out on a coastal walk we would always advise members of the public to wear suitable clothing and carry a mobile phone or other means or raising the alarm should you find yourself in difficulty, along with always checking the tide times before you set out.” 

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