Sal Galloway, a woman in her 50s, has died after being swept into the sea while walking her dog along the coastal path between Sandown and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight during Storm Boelo.
Ms Galloway was walking along the promenade when she was caught by powerful waves amid dangerous coastal conditions on Monday, October 26.
Her body was recovered from the water shortly after midday, south of Sandown Pier. Despite the efforts of emergency personnel, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that her next of kin had been informed and that a file would be prepared for the coroner. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
The welfare of her dog has not been confirmed.
Major Search Operation Involved Helicopter and Lifeboat
Emergency services were alerted at 11.17am on Monday after the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service raised concerns about a woman in the water at Lake.
Police, paramedics and HM Coastguard teams attended the scene as a major search and rescue operation was launched.
Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 375 was dispatched from Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire to search the waters off Sandown and Lake. Bembridge RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat also joined the operation.
Rescue teams established a rendezvous point outside the Napoleon’s Landing apartment building on the seafront while searching for the missing woman.
Police closed the coastal walkway, known as the revetment, between Sandown and Shanklin. A cordon was erected at the end of Sandown Esplanade to prevent members of the public from entering the area.
Family and Friends Pay Tribute to Galloway
Friends and relatives have shared tributes to Ms Galloway on social media following her death.
One friend described her as a lovely woman who always made time for others, offering condolences to her family and friends.
Another paid tribute to her as a close friend from childhood, writing that she would be missed.
A cousin also expressed disbelief at her death, describing Ms Galloway as a beloved family member.
She was understood to have had a passion for scooters and soul music.
Flood Alerts Warned of Dangerous Coastal Conditions
The incident occurred after the UK experienced severe weather over the weekend, with hazardous conditions continuing on Monday and overnight.
The Environment Agency had issued a flood alert for the Isle of Wight coastline, warning that strong winds and large waves could cause seawater to overtop coastal defences.
Sandown and Shanklin were among the locations identified as being at risk, alongside Yarmouth, Freshwater Bay, Gurnard and Ryde.
Forecasters warned that exposed coastal areas, including promenades, seafront roads and car parks, could experience flooding as waves overtopped sea defences.
A further alert issued on Sunday highlighted the possibility of coastal flooding around high tide, with water levels expected to be higher on Monday morning than those forecast for the previous day.
Council Issues Urgent Coastal Safety Warning
Following Ms Galloway’s death, the Isle of Wight Council urged residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution around beaches, sea walls and exposed coastal paths.
The council advised people to remain well away from sea walls, slipways and cliff edges during dangerous weather.
Dog walkers were specifically urged to keep their pets on leads, while members of the public were warned against turning their backs on the sea or approaching rough water to take photographs.
The council also cautioned that anyone close enough to feel sea spray could already be standing dangerously near the water.
Residents and visitors were encouraged to check weather forecasts and tide times before travelling to coastal areas, particularly after storms when large waves can remain hazardous.
Police Confirm Death as Investigation Continues
Hampshire Police said the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service alerted them at 11.17am on Monday about a woman in the water at Lake.
Officers attended alongside ambulance personnel and HM Coastguard teams.
The force confirmed that the woman, who was in her 50s, was brought out of the water but died despite the efforts of emergency services.
Her next of kin have been informed, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Authorities have not released further details about the precise circumstances of the incident.
Forecasters Monitor Another Storm Approaching the UK
Meteorologists have also been monitoring Storm Chloe as it approaches the UK, following the disruption associated with Storm Boelo.
Scientists have warned that El Niño could contribute to severe weather during the coming winter, potentially bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and snow to parts of the country.
Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said the developing system could bring conditions similar to those experienced during Storm Boelo.
He warned that the strongest winds were expected to affect northern parts of the UK on Tuesday, with gusts potentially reaching 70mph.
A yellow weather warning was in force, and forecasters said they would continue monitoring the system closely.
