Coastguard officers, harbour staff and a lifeguard rushed to the aid of a lady who fell down some steps and was thought to have broken her ankle.

West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team was called to West Bay harbour just after 1.35pm on Monday, August 23 to reports of an injured 52-year-old woman.

She and her husband had been going up the steps from the boat pontons in the outer harbour but she slipped and suspected to have broken her ankle.

Officers quickly responded to the station to gather their equipment and rescue vehicle and headed to the scene.

South Western Ambulance Service was responding with the first ambulance available.

Spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Arriving on scene, the casualty was found at the bottom of the steps being cared for by harbour staff and an RNLI lifeguard who was providing some much-needed pain relief.

"After being briefed on the casualty's condition, the coastguard officers carried out a full assessment and stabilised the injury using the team's splints and fracture straps.

"Due to the incoming tide and the risk that the casualty's location would soon be getting rather wet, the decision was made to move the lady to a safer location.

"Officers, assisted by the lifeguard and harbour staff, packaged the casualty into the team's rescue stretcher and carried her off the steps and up to the harbour master's office.

"After updating the ambulance service on the casualty's condition, observations and treatment, she was cleared to self-transport to hospital should she wish to. She was then assisted to her vehicle and driven to Dorset County Hospital by her husband.

"We wish her a full and speedy recovery.

"Special thanks goes out to Bridport Harbour and RNLI Lifeguards Weymouth and West Dorset for their assistance.

"Have a fantastic time at the coast this summer, but if you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something that gives you cause for concern, then do not hesitate, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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