In the early hours of Wednesday, August 21, at 2:22 am, HM Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team was called to assist with an urgent medical transfer from Seaclose Park in Newport. The rescue operation involved the use of Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 175, a state-of-the-art Leonardo AW189 aircraft, for a critical transfer to a mainland hospital.
The mission was efficiently coordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, alongside the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service and the 111 Service. The powerful helicopter, weighing 8 tons, took off in the early morning hours, and the noise may have woken nearby residents.
The team expressed their apologies for any disruption caused by the helicopter’s departure, emphasizing the necessity of the operation to ensure timely medical care for the patient.
