Hoax Cliff Death Call Sparks Huge Emergency Response
Mumbles Coastguard launched a full-scale rescue operation after a series of alarming calls from Three Cliffs Bay in Swansea, only to discover it was all a cruel hoax.
Emergency Phone Cut Off Mid-Call
The drama began when an emergency call from the Three Cliffs Bay phone box was abruptly cut off. Moments later, another call claimed someone had fallen from a cliff and died. But rescue crews found no trace of a casualty.
Thousands Wasted on False Alarm
Police, firefighters, RNLI lifeboats, coastguard teams, lifeguards, and ambulance crews were all scrambled at 5:40pm on Saturday for the cliff rescue. On arrival, the coastguard found the emergency phone damaged and out of order.
Several services were dispatched and a large search undertaken with nothing found,” said Mumbles Coastguard. “With no further information or reports, this callout was assumed a hoax call and all assets stood down.”
The coastguard slammed the prank as a costly waste. “This behaviour has cost thousands of both taxpayer and volunteer funds and many hours of time during an extremely busy bank holiday weekend,” they warned.
They added the hoax took vital emergency resources away from genuine crises, disrupted holidaymakers and local businesses, and impacted the families of emergency crews.
Phone Box Still Out of Service as Police Investigate
Mumbles Coastguard has already attended four callouts by Saturday afternoon. The emergency phone remains out of service, and South Wales Police have launched an investigation into the bogus calls.
