MAN RESCUED AFTER ATTEMPTING TO CLIMB 600 FOOT CLIFFS TO ESCAPE INCOMING TIDE

A man has been rescued 100 feet from the top of 600 foot cliffs which he had climbed at Minehead Bluff, Somerset to escape the incoming tide.

The man called 999 and requested help from Swansea Coastguard at 6.00 pm this evening. He had been climbing up the cliff after becoming cut off by the tide and was stuck 100 feet from the top in thick bracken.

Swansea Coastguard requested the Minehead and Watchet Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Exmoor Coastguard Sector Manager to attend the scene. The rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor was also scrambled.

The man was quickly located by the helicopter. All that could be seen of him was an arm waving from out of the bracken, since the man was dressed in combat clothing. He was winched from his position on the cliff into the care of the Minehead Coastguard Rescue Team. Other than being exhausted by his ordeal, the man was uninjured.

Bev Haigh, Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager says:

“If you become cut off by the tide, please do not attempt to climb cliffs, but call the coastguard immediately by ringing 999. Cliffs can be slippery or crumbly and one slip could be fatal.

“Always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so that you can prepare accordingly. Consider whether you could become cut off and do not take risks.

Although this man did eventually call us when he realised his predicament, it would have been much safer to have just called us from the bottom. Climbing 600 feet up a cliff without equipment is a difficult and dangerous challenge.”

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