‘SHE WENT OUT FOR A WALK WITH HER DOG — AND NEVER CAME HOME’: SAL GALLOWAY’S FINAL WALK ENDS IN HEARTBREAK

Sal Galloway, 59, lost her life after being swept into the sea during Storm Boelo along the Isle of Wight coastline. Her dog survived, while friends and loved ones have shared emotional tributes to the woman they described as beautiful and kind.

A peaceful walk along the coast turned into an unimaginable tragedy when Sal Galloway was swept into the sea during powerful storms battering the Isle of Wight.

The 59-year-old was walking her dog along the promenade between Sandown and Shanklin on October 26, 2026, when she was caught by the dangerous coastal conditions.

Emergency services were alerted at around 11:17 a.m. after reports that a woman had entered the water.

Police, paramedics, HM Coastguard teams, a helicopter and the Bembridge RNLI lifeboat were involved in the major search and rescue response.

Sal’s body was recovered from the water shortly after midday, south of Sandown Pier.

Her dog survived and was taken to a nearby café as emergency crews continued their response.

A WALK THAT ENDED IN TRAGEDY

The incident happened as Storm Boelo brought powerful winds and dangerous conditions to the Isle of Wight coastline.

The promenade between Sandown and Shanklin became the scene of a major emergency response as rescue teams worked along the shoreline.

Despite the efforts of those involved, Sal could not be saved.

The loss has left those who knew her struggling to come to terms with how an ordinary walk with her dog ended so suddenly. <

‘MY BEAUTIFUL COUSIN’ — HEARTFELT TRIBUTES POUR IN

Following the tragedy, friends and relatives shared emotional messages in memory of Sal.

One family tribute read:

“RIP to my beautiful cousin Sal Galloway. Can’t believe I’m writing this. Fly high my darling.”

Others remembered her as a lovely woman who always made time for people.

One message described her as a “lovely lady” who “always had time for everyone”.

A childhood friend also shared their heartbreak, writing:

“My childhood best friend. Will miss you.”

The words reflected the deep affection people had for Sal and the shock felt by those who knew her.

HER DOG SURVIVED THE TERRIFYING INCIDENT

Amid the heartbreaking news, one detail brought a small measure of relief: Sal’s dog survived.

The animal was taken to a nearby café following the incident, according to reports.

For those hearing about the tragedy, the detail has become part of the story of a final walk that ended in circumstances no one could have expected.

WARNINGS AS STORM CONDITIONS BATTERED THE COAST

The Isle of Wight was among the areas affected by Storm Boelo, which brought severe weather and hazardous conditions.

Local authorities issued safety warnings as strong winds and rough seas created risks along exposed coastal areas.

The tragedy has renewed attention on the dangers of walking close to the shoreline during powerful storms, when waves and changing sea conditions can make familiar routes unpredictable.

A COMMUNITY REMEMBERS SAL

For Sal’s family and friends, the loss is deeply personal.

She is being remembered not simply as the woman at the centre of a tragic news story, but as a cousin, childhood friend and much-loved member of her community.

Her final walk has left behind grief and unanswered questions, while the tributes shared online offer a glimpse of the affection people felt for her.

One walk. One devastating loss. A life remembered by the people who loved her.

May Sal Galloway rest in peace. 🤍🕊️