MILFORD HAVEN COASTGUARD RECOVER BOY FROM CLIFF IN DARK DIFFICULT CONDITIONS

Just before 9pm tonight Milford Haven Coastguard received a 999 emergency call reporting a 12 year old boy who had been cut off by the rising tide at Saundersfoot.

The boy climbed up the cliff to avoid the rising water and tried to take shelter in undergrowth at Perrys Point, Saundersfoot. Milford Haven Coastguard requested the Tenby lifeboat to the area to locate the casualty.

The weather conditions on scene deteriorated and the boy became stuck in the thick scrub. Windy conditions, complete darkness, low cloud and substantial vegetation prevented the possibility of a helicopter recovery so the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Tenby and St Govans used cliff rescue equipment to locate the boy and lower him safely to the lifeboat crew below, who were talking to and reassuring him throughout the rescue. Once securely onboard the lifeboat the boy was given a Kitkat and can of coke, and was cold but happy and none the worse for his ordeal.

Roger Reed, Milford Haven Coastguard Watch Manager said,

“Always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so that you can prepare accordingly.  At sea changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other. Tidal heights may hide underwater hazards. Consider whether you could become cut off by the incoming tide, above all do not take risks. Do not attempt to climb cliffs as a short cut back to the top.”

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