Isle of Wight woman dies during Storm Boelo

A woman in her 50s has died after being swept out to sea during Storm Boelo on the Isle of Wight. The incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Sandown Esplanade, located between Sandown and Shanklin.

Emergency services, including police, paramedics, Coastguard Rescue Teams, an RNLI lifeboat from Bembridge, and a Coastguard Rescue helicopter, launched a major search and rescue operation. It is believed the woman was walking her dog when she was hit by a large wave amid ferocious weather conditions. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has updated the woman's next of kin and is preparing a file for the coroner. Police cordoned off the Sandown Esplanade to prevent public access to the coastal walkway while investigations continue.

Storm Boelo has caused significant disruption across the UK, with wind gusts reaching up to 84 mph in Scotland. Local authorities advised residents to stay indoors and avoid coastal walkways during the severe weather.