Swanage RNLI was called in to rescue an injured woman from the beach at Kimmeridge, as the terrain was too difficult to stretcher her to the ambulance.
The incident happened just after midday on Saturday 15th July 2022 when the woman, who had been walking along the famous fossil beds on the far side of the bay, slipped and badly fractured her ankle.
The ambulance arrived alongside the coastguard teams but then drove down to the Kimmeridge slipway to meet the lifeboat transporting the injured woman across the bay
Kimmeridge Coastguard, assisted by the team at nearby St Albans, went to her aid. They reported:
“After assessing the casualty and with a South Western ambulance also arriving on the scene, the decision was made that the best means of extraction would be by lifeboat.”
Swanage’s all weather lifeboat arrives in Kimmeridge Bay
Both the Swanage Lifeboats were launched
The call then came through to Swanage RNLI and both the all weather lifeboat and the inshore lifeboat launched just after 1.30 pm.
On arrival, two crew members of the inshore lifeboat went ashore to see what was required and then returned with some pain relieving gas and a basket stretcher.
Swanage Lifeboat Station reported:
“The casualty was transferred to the stretcher, carried aboard the inshore lifeboat and gently motored across to the waiting ambulance.”
The woman slipped on the rocks, famous for their fossils
“We wish the person a speedy recovery”
Kimmeridge Coastguard added:
“With the person safely in the ambulance and taken to hospital, all teams stood down and returned to stations.
“Many thanks to Swanage Lifeboat Station for their assistance today. We wish the person a speedy recovery.”
The emergency service crews and all their kit
“I’m extremely grateful for your help and kindness”
Later, posting on social media, the injured woman thanked the emergency services. She said:
“Thank you so very much for rescuing me. I’ve had surgery and am recovering well. I’m extremely grateful for your help and kindness.”
