Coastguard helicopter lands at Dancing Ledge to rescue woman

Dancing Ledge, near Swanage, was evacuated to allow Rescue Helicopter 175 to land on the rock ledge, after a woman needed to be airlifted to hospital.

The local woman, while out on a walk, fell at Dancing Ledge yesterday afternoon and due to the pain caused by a dislocated shoulder, required medical treatment. 

Advertisement 
Coastguard helicopter at Dancing Ledge
Swanage Coastguard

Rescue 175 approaches Dancing Ledge, viewed from the Officer-in-Charge location

The remote and awkward terrain of the well-know beauty spot meant that, while paramedics treated her, Swanage Coastguard, along with St Alban’s Coastguard figured out the best way to get her to hospital. 

After considering the three options of airlift, cliff rescue or sea rescue via the lifeboat, it was decided to request the rescue helicopter from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) based in Fareham in Hampshire, who dispatched the Lee On Solent Helicopter R175.

Swanage Coastguard at Dancing Ledge as rescue helicopter arrives
Swanage Coastguard

Swanage Bravo calls the aircraft in to land

In order for the helicopter to land safely, the coastguards cleared the ledge area and prepared for the helicopter to land. 

Throughout the whole of the operation, the teams were mindful of social distancing and the risks associated with COVID-19. 

Once the woman was safely in the helicopter, she was taken to Poole Hospital for treatment.

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

Storm Ciarán sweeps into Swanage brushing away its flood defences Concrete blocks along Swanage seafront to protect against flooding were strewn across the road by the force of Storm Ciarán, while Studland beaches had about five years of coastal erosion ... 1 month ago BBC snubs Purbeck by filming Enid Blyton stories in Cornwall 1 week ago Polar Express magic arrives in Swanage for Christmas 3 weeks ago Crisis at Swanage Railway as £450,000 survival fund is launched 1 month ago Restaurant with perfect view of Swanage Bay to open in 2024 2 weeks ago

Most recent

Business is blooming in Swanage town centre Bucking the national trend of empty shop units, Swanage in Dorset is seeing lots more new businesses opening up in the heart of the seaside town. 11 hours ago Inspiring Christmas trees at Swanage festival 1 day ago Enchanted evenings light up Purbeck secret garden 2 days ago Swanage seafront survey result gives council splitting headache 3 days ago Plans for growth at Swanage community garden 4 days ago