Heart-stopping rescue off Hartland Point as Coastguard winchman battles towering 6ft waves
Stunning footage has emerged of a brave Coastguard winchman fighting monstrous 6ft waves to rescue two young men stranded on rocks at Hartland Point this afternoon.
Race Against the Tide
The drama unfolded just after 3pm when a 999 call alerted HM Coastguard to the desperate situation. Two young men were clinging to rocks as monstrous waves crashed over them, risking being swept out to sea.
Racing to the scene, the St Athan-based Coastguard helicopter was in constant contact with the Hartland Point Coastguard Rescue Team. The rough seas prevented the rescue team from reaching the men by land, and lifeboats couldn’t get close either. The helicopter was the only chance for a swift rescue.
Heroic Winchman Defies Gigantic Waves
The helicopter crew’s skill saved lives in under two minutes. Chief Pilot Olly Padbury described the nail-biting moment: “As we manoeuvred our Winchman towards the casualties on the rock, he was slammed by a huge unseen wave.”
Despite the battering, the winchman recovered instantly, secured the first man, and hoisted him onboard. He then went back for the second, pulling both men to safety in seconds.
“This footage shows the danger of getting cut off by tides and the incredible teamwork involved,” said Padbury. “Big thanks to the Hartland Point Coastguard Rescue Team for their spot-on briefing that made this rescue a success.”
Safe and Sound—but a Warning to All
Both rescued men were airlifted to safety and astonishingly required no medical attention.
Duncan Ley, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard, added: “This could have ended in tragedy. If you see someone struggling at sea or on the coast, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.”
He also urged coastal walkers to always check tide times before heading out. “Make sure you’re back well before the tide comes in,” Ley warned.
This breathtaking rescue highlights exactly why you must respect the power of the sea.
