Three pensioners rescued from floodwater in Keyhaven

Three pensioners were rescued by firefighters today (Friday) after a patient transport vehicle reportedly got stuck in floodwater.

A host of Keyhaven roads were under water after downpours overnight and today, with the rescue happening just after lunch.

Three fire engines were among the emergency vehicles helping in the rescue, which involved deployment of a raft.

The A&T understands those rescued were too frail to wade out, despite the water’s relatively low depth.

A spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Rescue Service said: “Firefighters rescued three people from car stuck in water in the New Forest.

“Teams from Lymington, Redbridge and DWFRS were alerted at around midday to three elderly people trapped in a car in floodwater in Keyhaven.

“Specialist water rescue crews were able to help the people, who were fit and well, from the vehicle and take them to dry land by boat.”

“Firefighters began to leave the scene and return to station following the stop message at 1.22pm.”

Jacque Higginson, who runs Milford Valeting & Detailing and lives on Keyhaven Road, said the flooding was similar to that experienced by the village before Christmas but the problem was “definitely getting worse”.

“The area certainly needs re-assessing; we’re apparently in a low-risk flooding spot here.”

“At some point in the past the floodwaters were up to our fridge; there’s a flood line in our house.

“Some of the locals are saying it’s the worst they’ve seen since the 60s. It’s definitely getting worse recently, though, we’re losing a lot of gravel from our drive.”

The Milford to Lymington area is currently under an Environment Agency flood alert, along with Christchurch’s Lower Avon and the Waterside. Beaulieu River is under a more serious flood warning, as is part of the River Blackwater.