TWO people stuck on the cliffs at Whitsand Bay after dusk fell last night were winched to safety by the Newquay Coastguard helicopter.
Tamar and Looe Coastguard rescue teams were initially called to the aid of the two people who were stuck around 150ft up the cliff between Sharrow Point and Freathy.
’Due to the vicinity and large rocks, access by lifeboat could not be made, so we requested the Coastguard helicopter,’ said a spokesperson for Tamar Coastguard Rescue team.
’Both casualties were then winched up and landed in Sharrow Car Park unharmed and re united with their friends.’
The rescuers said they were just heading home from Sharrow Point when they were stopped by Police to assist in the search for a man and his nephew reported missing near Tregantle Fort.
The high water restricted access to the beach for the Coastguard team on foot, so the Plymouth All Weather and Inshore Lifeboats were requested to use thermal imaging and conduct a shorline search, whilst Coastguard team searched through the ranges. Looe’s lifeboat was also requested but was stood down shortly after launching.
Plymouth’s inshore lifeboat crew found the two people safe and well fishing in one of the coves, said the Tamar Coastguard, who returned to station at 2.30am.
The national HM Coastguard said that it had dealt with more than 160 incidents around the UK coast yesterday, and were expecting another busy day today as people flocked to beaches in the hot weather.
Three people were seriously injured at Durdle Door after tombstoning off the cliffs: it has been reported that crowds have returned to the beach today despite Dorset Council having announced it was closed following the incidents yesterday.