BREAKING NEWS: A disabled woman has died after falling into the sea in her wheelchair at Lyme Regis.
The 20 year-old severely disabled woman plunged from the Victoria Pier area of the harbour at 12.50pm yesterday (Friday) afternoon.
Her parents, passers-by and rescue services dived into the deep water in a desperate attempt to bring her back to the surface.
After what have been described by Dorset Police as ‘considerable difficulties in challenging conditions,’ the woman was brought to the surface by paramedics from South West Ambulance Service.
She was airlifted to Dorset County Hospital at 2.05pm in a critical condition.
Sadly she died last night at 7.10pm.
The woman was strapped to her wheelchair when the incident happened.
She had been on holiday in the area with her parents from Solihull in the West Midlands.
The family had been waiting for a chartered fishing trip when the indicent happened.
The rescue operation involved coastguards, emergency services, and the RNLI.
The lifeboat crew who also dived in were Elliott Herbert, Martin Croad, Brian Street, Dave Street, John Cable and Rob Crabbe. Coastguard Toby Newson and boatman Harry May also dived into the harbour.
A spokesman for Dorset Police said that an investigation had been launched into the incident but it was not being treated as suspicious.
He said: “This is an unusual and tragic incident and police are appealing for witnesses.”
Anyone with information should call Sergeant Tony Burden on 101.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article