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Woman Dies After Being Found In Water Near Southsea Hovertravel Terminal

Police have confirmed that a woman lost her life after she was reportedly found unconscious yesterday evening (April 24) in the water on Clarence Esplanade, Southsea.

The 59-year-old casualty was taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital, but was pronounced dead later on Saturday.

Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Police also said they do not believe, at this time, that the hovercraft was involved in any way.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

A spokesperson for the South Central Ambulance Service said:

“A woman ... was found unresponsive in the water by the Coastguard.

"She was recovered to Camber Dock Lifeboat Jetty where they were met by our team comprising two ambulance crews, a paramedic team leader and an emergency doctor.

“After initial treatment the patient was then taken to the Queen Alexandra Hospital where she was handed over to colleagues in the emergency department in a life-threatening condition.”

UK Coastguard, Military Police, a coastguard rescue helicopter, Gosport and Fareham independent lifeboat were all called to the scene.

A spokesperson for Hovertravel added:

“Contrary to various media reports we can confirm that Solent Flyer was NOT involved with the incident involving a body in water but the crew were alerted.

“As Solent Flyer landed at Southsea this afternoon, the ground team alerted the pilot about a body in the water, as per Hovertravel’s normal safety procedure. The pilot landed safely and the service is operating as normal. The person has subsequently been recovered by the emergency services and the police are dealing with the matter.”

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