Two lucky teens were plucked to safety after being trapped in the dark by the incoming tide on a treacherous cliff.
The youngsters had climbed down the precipice in daylight to reach the beach.
But as the tide cut them off, they slipped on steep rocks while trying to climb back – leaving them stranded and too scared to move in the pitch-black night.
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Specialist rope rescuers managed to haul one to safety, while a rescue helicopter had to winch the other off in what authorities described as a “challenging, unpredictable operation”.
The drama unfolded in Bude, Cornwall, on Saturday (23 Aug), as reported by Need To Know.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “Rope rescue technicians were able to successfully extract the first casualty.
“However, they couldn’t reach the second casualty’s position without putting him at risk of falling from the crumbling cliff.
“Thankfully, an HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was able to hover above the second casualty and lower a winch paramedic who then safely secured them.”
A Bude Coastguard Rescue Team spokesperson added: “On arrival, the team quickly identified the location of the two casualties.
“This was followed by a highly technical, challenging, and precise operation between the helicopter and the Coast Guard Rescue Teams to recover them from their dangerous position.
“One casualty was recovered via rope rescue, and the other was winched to safety by the helicopter crew.
“This was an excellent example of effective teamwork in an unpredictable and demanding situation.”
Locals were full of praise for the brave rescuers.
One said: “We are incredibly lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, a stunning and yet dangerous coastline.
“We were used to the constant sound of sirens that just blend into the background after a while.
“But down here it’s different.
“The sound we now dread is the sound of the helicopters above because we know somebody is in serious trouble and the people going to rescue them are putting their lives in danger to do whatever they can to get those sons, daughters, mums, dads, friends and even dogs home safely to their loved ones.
“Two young lads were saved by our local heroes, risking their lives in the dark whilst we were sitting here hoping for the best outcome.”
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