Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards were called to Brean Down last night (Saturday) amid concern for the welfare of several people who it was feared had become cut off by the tide.
Two dog walkers were concerned that there was a group of people who had got stranded by the high tide at 8.10pm along the base of the Down.
A Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard spokesman said: “We arrived in good time just as the last of the light was fading, so we quickly set about getting a visual on the persons with our binoculars before it became too dark.”
“We managed to spot the group but it was unclear if they were climbers. They definitely weren’t fishing.”
“With no other way of making contact and the tide slowly making its way back out, we decided that a team of three Coastguards would make their way out in water rescue gear.”
“With the windy conditions, it was important to contact them to ensure that everyone was OK and not suffering from the cold.”
“In their three-person line formation, the team made their way out in thigh deep water to what is known as Boulders Cove where they spoke to the persons in question.”
“It became apparent very quickly that they were in actual fact climbers who had been happily enjoying a challenging climb and were packing up ready to make their way back once the tide had receded far enough.”
“With this good news, the water rescue team made their way back to the vehicle to de-rig and awaited the climbers to issue a non-emergency number for our Coastguard Operations Room (CGOC) in Milford Haven.”
“They can then ring when they are climbing during high tide and let the ops room know they are there and safe.”
“This was a very good call from the two ladies who were genuinely concerned that there were people in difficulty, and it’s a good call to make.”
“In these windy conditions if they were stuck they would’ve been very cold which can be a danger to life. If you see anyone in difficulty dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
“If you are planning to climb at Brean Down during high tides please call the ops room on the non-emergency number 01646 690909 and just let them know you are there and OK.”
Pictured: Coastguards at Brean on Saturday (photos Burnham Coastguard)
