COWES lifeboat was launched in the early hours of this morning (Sunday) to assist a man in the water off The Parade.
Nick Edwards, spokesman for Cowes lifeboat, said: "Cowes lifeboat was launched at 1.42am this morning to assist a man in the water, further along Cowes Parade from the lifeboat station, inshore from Trinity Landing.
"The lifeboat took a very short time to arrive at the scene, where it was apparent that police and coastguard mobile teams were already talking to the man, who was afloat, clinging to the side of The Parade sea wall.
"With sufficient tidal height, Cowes lifeboat could manoeuvre close in, whereupon Mark Harker, the lifeboat helm, jumped into the sea to assist.
"It still took some time in the water to assess the man’s condition and the best course of action. After which, he was recovered to Cowes lifeboat and swiftly brought ashore at the nearby station, and transferred to a waiting ambulance for any necessary treatment."
Reporter: jamesw@iwcpmail.co.uk