Coastguard crews rescue injured woman by West Cliff on Portland

The helicopter as well as coastguard crews from Portland Bill and Wyke Regis - and an ambulance crew - rushed to West Cliff on Portland around 6pm yesterday (May 29) after reports of a woman injuring her leg.

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Eyewitness Ken Deadman, of Croft Road, on Portland said he saw the helicopter over West Cliff around 6.30pm - a sight he is all too familiar with living by the cliff edge.

He said: "A woman was climbing and she injured her leg near West Cliff.

"I think she was in a group of six people. The helicopter hovered over where the woman was and the operation to rescue the woman took around 45 minutes.

"It's a regular occurrence to see a coastguard helicopter fly over to rescue people getting injured around that area.

"West Cliff is popular and people come from all over to visit."

The woman was rescued from West Cliff around 7pm. Picture: Ken Deadman

The woman was winched up after crews were flown down to her location on West Cliff.

Once secure the woman was flown to Dorset County Hospital.

A spokesman from the coastguard said: "We were called at 6pm after reports of an injured woman who was just out walking on the coast path near the Blacknor Fort area on Portland.

The helicopter was there just before 6.30pm - along with coastguards crews from Portland Bill and Wyke Regis. Also in attendance was ambulance.

"The woman was winched up from her location and taken to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

"We have been very busy during the bank holiday weekend."

Crews from Portland Bill and Wyke Regis were in attendance. Picture: Ken Deadman

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Director of HM Coastguard, Claire Hughes said: "Never think it won’t happen to you.

"We’ve heard stories from so many people who have been out for walks or who are strong swimmers and experts in their watersports, who found themselves suddenly needing help because something has changed.

"The sea can still catch you out, the cliffs can prove treacherous and even a momentary lapse of concentration can put you in difficulty.

"We will always respond to those in need, but all we ask is that you think twice about what you do and where you go."

If you get into trouble at sea or on the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

West Cliff, Portland (Image: Newsquest)