A major rescue mission was launched after walker became trapped 50ft up on a 'treacherous' cliff face. He was eventually airlifted to safety after becoming cut off by the tide.
Minehead lifeboat was called on Thursday (June 29) at just before 1pm to reports of a man cut off by the tide near to Hurlstone Point between Minehead and Porlock. The crew battled challenging sea conditions to reach the scene and commenced a shoreline search in a desperate bid to locate the man, reports Somerset Live.
Crews then spotted the man over 50 metres up treacherous cliffs close to the coastal path. The coastguard helicopter from St Athan was deployed and with the assistance of Minehead and Watchet coastguard teams, the man was winched into the aircraft.
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A spokesman for Watchet Coastguard Team said: “With the exact location unknown and with very rugged inaccessible areas the fastest way of locating him was with the support of the RNLI with a waterside search and from our search and rescue helicopter with an aerial search.
“With the male liaising with the HM Coastguard Maritime control, the lifeboat and helicopter were guided onto him, where the helicopter was able to extract the male by winching him into the aircraft. Having safely lifted the male to safety, he was landed at Selworthy Beacon where he was handed into our search team’s care.
“We would like to remind anyone visiting the coastline to check the tide times, liaise with locals and or read walking books and maps about where the inaccessible parts of the coast are.”
Anyone who spots someone in trouble along the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
