uknip247 
A walker was safely rescued yesterday afternoon after being trapped by the incoming tide below the iconic Belle Tout lighthouse near Birling Gap. The incident was brought to the attention of local authorities when a passing Dutch motor yacht spotted the stranded individual and raised the alarm via VHF radio.
The Birling Gap Coastguard team, upon receiving the distress call, quickly located the motor yacht, which remained on standby near the casualty, offering crucial assistance in the operation. The Eastbourne inshore lifeboat was swiftly deployed, successfully recovering the walker and bringing them back to Birling Gap, where they were reunited with their anxious family.
In a statement, the Birling Gap Coastguard team emphasised the importance of checking tide times and weather conditions before embarking on walks along the base of the cliffs, highlighting that the terrain can be deceptively challenging and the distance longer than anticipated.
The rescue operation involved collaboration between multiple agencies, including the RNLI Eastbourne, Eastbourne Coastguard, Newhaven Coastguard, and the Coastguard helicopter 163. The Coastguard extended their gratitude to the Dutch vessel with a heartfelt “Dankjewel en goeie reis,” meaning “thank you and have a good journey.”
