Injured kite surfer airlifted to hospital following accident on Portland

A spokesman for Wyke coastguard said: "We were paged along with Portland Bill Coastguard Rescue Team just before 1100 to secure a landing site for Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

"A kite surfer had sustained a head injury after he was caught out by a squall whilst launching. He was treated at the scene before being stretchered the short distance from the waters edge to the awaiting air ambulance."

Eyewitness Lisa Marsh said: "A kite surfer had a serious head injury - it was an hour before emergency help came. The coast guard came and assessed the area and called for a helicopter landing. We hope he is recovering well."

Picture: Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team

Portland Bill coastguard said they were alerted to the incident by Solent HQ after a kite surfer was dragged down the beach by his kite.

A spokesman said: "A kite surfer had been dragged down the beach by his kite, after a big gust of wind had caught him out on his launch.

"The kite surfer had suffered a head injury and lost temporary consciousness. The casualty was given first aid by the teams until Devon Air Ambulance arrived on scene.

"Once on scene paramedics treated him for his injuries, before placing him onto a stretcher and carrying the short distance to the awaiting aircraft.

"Once safely aboard the teams stood down and returned to their stations.

"We’d like to say a massive thank you to the members of public who had helped the casualty before our arrival and we wish him a speedy recovery."