Portland Coastguard tasked Exmouth RNLI in-shore lifeboat George Bearman at 6.49pm on 1 August to assist in the rescue of two holidaymakers. The two casualties were rescued approximately two hours later with the help of RNLI volunteers, three coastguard teams and a Royal Navy 193 Sea King helicopter.
The 70 year old man and his seven year old grandson were making their way back from the western end of Budleigh Salterton beach to Sandy Bay holiday park when they were unexpectedly cut off by the high spring tide. The weather and sea conditions were moderate, with some rain at times throughout the rescue.
The holidaymakers attempted to climb the 200 foot cliff near Littleham Cove to escape. However, they only reached two-thirds of the height as the dense undergrowth and previous landslide material had made their path impassable.
The three-man team of Exmouth RNLI volunteers located the man and child on the cliff face. Coastguard teams were called, including cliff teams from Sidmouth and Beer. Sea King rescue helicopter 193 from RN Culdrose was scrambled to winch the casualties to safety.
Exmouth RNLI Coxswain, Tim Mock advises:
‘If you want to walk the coast, then you must consult the tide tables. Recent fatalities from landslides along the Jurassic coast, of which Exmouth starts from, presents extra vigilance when walking under cliffs.’
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