The Needles coastguard team

Four people were rescued from the treacherous rocks at Blackgang beach at high tide today (June 28).

The Gazette can reveal that four people have been plucked from the rocky Blackgang beach in a dramatic rescue by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 104.

Their rib ran aground on the deadly rocks on the infamous ‘wreckers’ beach this afternoon and rescue services were scrambled just after 2.15pm. Coastguard rescue teams from both Ventnor and the Needles attended the scene along with Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, but crews were unable to rescue the distressed sailors, and the Coastguard Helicopter winched them to safety.

A 70 year old pensioner was among those rescued from the rocks.

The Needles Coastguard set up a cliff rescue and rope system whilst Ventnor team manned the helicopter landing site in Chale.