Urgent Rescue Mission Underway at St Margaret’s Bay Caves
A dramatic search and rescue operation has erupted at St Margaret’s Bay after reports of five people trapped in the sprawling cave network. Emergency teams scrambled to the scene near Ness Point shortly after 6.15pm on Saturday 22nd January 2022.
Elite Rescue Crews Join the Hunt
Coastguard units from Folkestone, Deal, and Langdon teamed up with Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue’s specialist rope rescue team. The trapped group’s precise location was identified using the What3Words app, although their condition remains unknown.
The caves are part of a chalk cliff tunnel once used as a WWII machine gun post. Now sealed with a tin roof, the group is believed to be trapped high up near this historic site, making the rescue especially perilous.
High-Stakes Cliff Rescue Plan in Motion
Police on the beach are combing the area with powerful torches, while the Coastguard sector manager and Kent Fire’s group manager orchestrate a technical rope rescue. The victims are reportedly very high on the cliff face, prompting the setup of complex rigging to bring them down safely.
The operation is being overseen by the Maritime Operations Centre in Dover. Both Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue have been contacted for comment. Updates will follow as the situation develops.
