HM Coastguard have pulled a 77-year-old woman from the water in Totland this afternoon (Tuesday).

The coastguard received a 999 call just before 16.30pm, following reports of a woman slipping and falling from the seawall.

The woman fell from the wall trying to rescue her dog from the sea.

Already on an unrelated task, coastguard teams were attending to concerns about belongings left unattended at Colwell Bay.

A search was undertaken from Brambles Chine through to Totland, with nothing untoward found, however during the unrelated search Coastguard Officers located the 77-year-old.

Although the woman could stand up in the water, due to various obstructions and sea state, she could not make her own way back to shore.

Needles and Ventnor Coastguard rescue teams were sent along with Yarmouth lifeboat.

A coastguard rescue swimmer entered the water and assisted the woman, stabilising her until the lifeboat arrived.

The dog was transferred safely back to land by the coastguard team.

The woman was taken to Yarmouth lifeboat station by the RNLI volunteer crew, where she was assessed by a first aider, and was well enough to be handed into the care of a relative.

Coxswain, Howard Lester, said “Our rescue has had a happy ending with both the dog walker and pet safe and well but it could have ended very differently.

“Always try to keep your dog on a lead when walking close to edges and cliffs.

“If they fall in, do not go after them.

“Call for help immediately on 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.”