An elderly man believed to be a visitor was rescued by helicopter at Bradda Head this lunchtime.

People including holidaymakers and dog walkers watched the drama unfold at Milner’s Tower.

Coastguard operations officer in the island Michael MacDonald said an HM coastguard helicopter from Caernavon in Wales was alerted to rescue a man from the top of Milner’s Tower.

He said it was too difficult for emergency crews to stretcher him down and he would have to be taken away by air.

The helicopter took the man to Nobles’s Hospital.

Port Erin coastguard and an ambulance were also scrambled to the emergency.

He was airlifted to the Nobles Hospital helipad where staff were waiting to whisk him away for urgent treatment.

A local dog-walker said the rescue was carried out in 'tremendously high winds.’

It is thought the man was on holiday in the island and was visiting from the UK.

Readers sent us photographs of the drama as well as pictures by John Maddrell.Port Erin Coastguard later issued the following information: 'The team were called out for an unconscious male on the viewing platform on the top of Milners Tower, Bradda Head, Port Erin. 'Due to the condition of the casualty a helicopter was requested. 'Meanwhile two paramedics made the casualty comfortable and monitored vital signs. 'Rescue 936 (helicopter) attended the scene and extracted the casualty from the top of the tower and transferred him to Nobles Hospital where our colleagues Douglas Coastguard had prepared the landing site for arrival, along with hospital staff. 'Many thanks to all involved, we wish the casualty a speedy recovery.'