A rescue helicopter had to be called to a popular Welsh beach when a couple walking their dog found themselves in difficulties when they were cut off by the tide. The incident happened beneath East Rock House, a short distance from the Esplanade in Tenby.
The town’s RNLI lifeboat was called to the scene and volunteers located the couple and their dog. However, due to the conditions, it was deemed unsafe to rescue them via the sea and therefore a Coastguard helicopter was called for. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
Crews made their way over to the stuck couple and moved them higher up, away from the waves that were crashing into the rocks. The helicopter arrived at the scene but a winch rescue was also deemed unsafe. Eventually, a rope was used and the couple and their dog were able to get to the front garden of a property overlooking the cliffs.
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Rescue crews get to the stricken couple -Credit:Tenby RNLI
A spokesperson for Tenby RNLI said following Friday afternoon’s rescue: “Both the coastguard and lifeboat crew member made their way across the rocks to the casualties, where they reassured and checked them over to make sure no medical assistance was required, before moving them higher up the rocks and further away from the breaking waves. A short while later, the helicopter arrived, but with the strong downwash in such an enclosed area, it was deemed unsafe to perform a winch rescue, due to the risk of falling rocks.
“With all other options exhausted, a rope rescue was decided upon and the casualties were carefully brought across the rocks, to an area where they could use the steps to get to the safety of the garden of a house above. With the couple and their dog now out of danger, all units stood down and returned to station.”