Woman Dies After Wave Sweeps Her Into the Sea During U.K. Storms
A woman has died after being swept into the sea by a powerful wave while walking her dog on England’s Isle of Wight, as stormy weather continued to batter parts of the United Kingdom.
The woman, who was in her 50s, was walking along the revetment, a coastal walkway between Sandown and Shanklin, on Monday, Oct. 26, when she was swept into the sea amid rough conditions. She has not been publicly identified.
What Happened in Sandown
Emergency services were alerted just after 11 a.m. local time. According to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service reported a concern for the welfare of a woman in the water at 11:17 a.m.
A major search and rescue operation followed. A coastguard rescue helicopter was scrambled from its base at Lee-on-Solent to search the waters off Sandown and Lake, and an all-weather lifeboat from the Bembridge station of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution joined the effort.
Shortly after noon, rescuers recovered the woman from the water south of Sandown Pier. Police said she was pronounced dead at the scene, despite “the very best efforts of all emergency services in attendance.”
Officers said her next of kin have been informed, and a file is being prepared for the coroner. Emergency services closed off the Sandown Esplanade during the response.
Storms Batter the UK
The tragedy came as back-to-back storms swept across Britain. Storm Austen brought damaging winds and heavy rain to southern England and Wales last week, knocking out power to thousands of customers. Storm Boelo followed over the weekend, bringing more strong winds and rough seas.
Forecasters have also been watching for another round of stormy weather, as moisture and energy from the remnants of Josephine moved across the Atlantic toward the U.K. and Ireland.
Conditions along exposed coastlines can turn dangerous quickly during storms like these. Large waves can wash over seawalls and walkways with little warning, even when the weather on land seems manageable.
A Popular Stretch of Coastline
The walkway between Sandown and Shanklin is a well-loved route on the Isle of Wight’s east coast, popular with walkers, cyclists and dog owners for its sweeping views of Sandown Bay. In calm weather, it offers an easy seaside stroll. During storms, though, waves can crash directly onto the path.
The Isle of Wight sits in the English Channel off England’s south coast, where it often takes the brunt of storms rolling in from the Atlantic.
Staying Safe on the Coast During Storms
Coastal safety experts and rescue organizations regularly share advice for staying safe near the sea in rough weather:
Avoid seafronts during storms: Stay away from piers, seawalls, promenades and coastal paths when high winds and big waves are forecast.
Keep a safe distance from the water: Waves can be much larger and more powerful than they look, and they can reach farther than expected.
Keep dogs on a leash: Holding onto your dog near the shore helps prevent it from being swept away or running toward the water.
Never go into the water after a pet: If a dog is swept into the sea, call for help instead of going in yourself. Dogs often make it back to shore on their own.
Call for help immediately: In the U.K., call 999 and ask for the coastguard if someone is in trouble in the water. In the U.S., call 911.
Police have not released further details about the incident, and the coroner’s process will look into the circumstances of her death.
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