Three people were stranded halfway down a cliff near Fairlight yesterday, but a daring rescue by HM Coastguard teams saved them just before nightfall.
Race Against Time as Daylight Fades
The alarm was raised shortly before 5pm, prompting a joint response from HM Coastguard Bexhill, Hastings, and Rye Bay. With visibility dropping fast, crews launched a risky rope rescue operation.
Working in perfect sync, the teams hauled all three casualties to safety, the last rescued in the final moments of daylight. Despite the chilling conditions, all three were reported in good spirits — though cold — and were promptly warmed with blankets, jackets, and water.
Teamwork in Action Prevents Disaster
The Coast Guard praised the combined effort as a textbook example of teamwork that averted what could have been a serious tragedy.
Coastguard Issues Crucial Safety Warning
With daylight hours still short and evenings turning chilly, the Coastguard urges walkers near cliffs to:
- Plan carefully
- Allow plenty of time to return
- Keep a safe distance from cliff edges
“Temperatures drop rapidly after sunset, making conditions dangerous,” a Coastguard spokesperson warned.