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Helicopter rescue after person falls from cliff

HM Coastguard A groups of emergency services personnel - firefighters and coastguard crew - carrying a stretcher (which you cannot see). There is a red and white helicopter on the sand nearbyHM Coastguard
A person was rescued from a beach after falling from a cliff

A stranded walker who fell from a cliff was airlifted to safety by a coastguard rescue team.

Due to the "level of suspected injuries", fire crews and an air ambulance team were also called to the incident on Thursday afternoon at Helway Bay in Watchet, Somerset.

Coastguards have now urged people to "take care" near unguarded cliff edges.

A HM Coastguard spokesperson said the person was flown to the memorial ground by a helicopter, where they were then transferred to hospital by land ambulance.

The person was originally located by police officers.

"Our team was on scene in just a few minutes in support of an ambulance crew who were already in Watchet and the HM Coastguard rescue helicopter from St Athan in South Wales," said the coastguard spokesperson.

HM Coastguard Six rescuers standing on a pebbled beach near a red and white helicopter. There are verges to the right-hand side of the imageHM Coastguard
The casualty was flown to a safer position by the Coastguard helicopter

The patient was given first aid at the scene before being taken to hospital.

The spokesperson continued: "Having provided immediate care to the casualty and secured in a stretcher, a mixed team of firefighters and coastguards undertook a stretcher carry across the rocky shoreline to the Coastguard Helicopter."

HM Coastguard A red and white helicopter landing on a playing field with rescuers standing on the groundHM Coastguard
The casualty was initially moved to a large playing field where they were "stabilised" before being taken to hospital

"HM Coastguard reminds everyone to take care near unguarded cliff edges, keep dogs on leads, and do not attempt to climb or descend cliffs," said the spokesperson.

They added that anyone caught in a coastal emergency should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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