EIGHT PEOPLE RESCUED FROM CLIFFS AT BREAN DOWN

Eight people were rescued from the cliffs at Brean Down this evening after they became cut off by the incoming tide, tried to climb up the cliffs to safety and then became stuck.

The group – made up of five children and three adults – raised the alarm at 7.15 pm by calling Swansea Coastguard to report that they had become stuck on the cliffs at Brean Down, near Burnham-On-Sea.

Swansea Coastguard sent a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor, the Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard Rescue Team and two RNLI lifeboats to the rescue of the group.  At 7.42 pm the team located the stranded group, and the rescue helicopter winched all eight into the helicopter and took them to a nearby field where they were met by the coastguard rescue team.

After transferring the group to safety, the helicopter was then tasked by Swansea Coastguard onto reports of a man that had fallen into Ilfracombe Harbour.  He was helped ashore by a member of the public and met by paramedics and the Ilfracombe Coastguard Rescue Team.

Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager David Hughes said:
“If you are going out for a walk along the coast always prepare by checking the tide times and wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.  If you find yourself in difficulty, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

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