HANGLIDER CRASH PILOT RESCUED BY COASTGUARD


A 77-year-old man was airlifted to hospital by the Portland Coastguard Helicopter this evening after crashing into the cliffs at Eype near West Bay, Dorset.

Portland Coastguard was notified of the incident at 6.00 pm by Dorset Fire and Rescue.  The report was that a hang glider had crashed into the cliff at Eype, near the Highlands Caravan Park.  Portland Coastguard sent the West Bay and Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Teams, who worked with Dorset Fire and Rescue Service and South West Ambulance Service. Upon arriving it became clear that, due to the location of the casualty and the nature of his injuries, rescue by helicopter was the most appropriate method.  The Portland Coastguard helicopter was scrambled and arrived on scene at 6.19 pm.  Having winched the casualty from the cliff, a paramedic trained winchman assessed the casualty on the cliff top and with a suspected dislocated right hip he was transferred to Dorchester County Hospital with the assistance of Wyke Regis Coastguard Rescue Team. 

Mark Rodaway, Portland Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre Manager said:

“As a result of a concerted multi-agency response the injured casualty was able to be moved to safety to receive prompt medical attention. Portland Coastguard wish the gentleman involved in the incident a speedy recovery.”

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