Coastguards rescue woman, 77, and called to search for missing person

West Bay Coastguard was called out yesterday (Wednesday) just after 1pm by the South Western Ambulance Service to help them after a woman fell whilst walking from Cogden car park to the beach.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "The ambulance crew were in attendance but required assistance to transport the casualty from her location back to the car park.

"Officers from West Bay quickly made their way to the station to pick up their equipment and rescue vehicle, then headed straight for the area. Using their gate keys, Officers gained off-road access to the coastal path and were able to drive their vehicle right to the incident location.

"On arrival, the casualty was being treated by the ambulance crew who reported no significant injuries, but the casualty was unable to stand without support on the slippery ground.

Officers worked with the ambulance crew to carefully transfer the casualty to the front seat of our rescue vehicle before driving her slowly back to the waiting ambulance at the car park. She was then left in the expert care of the South Western Ambulance Service. We wish her a full and speedy recovery."

The crew was called out a second time yesterday to reports of a missing person thought to be in the area between Eype and Seatown.

Officers from West Bay and Lyme Regis were alerted by Solent Coastguard NMOC (National Maritime Operations Centre). The RNLI Lyme Regis Lifeboat was also launched to assist.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Officers from West Bay quickly made their way to the station to pick up their equipment and rescue vehicle.

"The West Bay OIC (Officer in Charge) gathered full information on the tasking and just as the officers were leaving for Eype, word came through that the person had been located safe and well.

"All teams were then stood down to return to station where the West Bay officers enjoyed an hour off before their evening of scheduled rope rescue training."