A 19-year-old male was led to safety by Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bembridge in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
The man, who is not from the Island, became disorientated while walking on the beach shortly after midnight and tried to climb the cliff to find the cliff path. When he realised he was in difficulties, he dialed 999 and asked for help from the Coastguard.
Following an hour-long search, the teen was located about 100 foot up the cliffs between Bembridge and Whitecliff Bay .
Martin Groom, Station Officer HM Coastguard Bembridge, said:
“Although cold and tired the man wasn’t hurt but had had a lucky escape as climbing cliffs should never be attempted especially following the recent spell of very wet weather, which has made the clffs around the Island more unstable than usual.
“Walkers are reminded to keep well away from the base of cliffs at all times especially following the very high tides we have just had and the wet weather.”
Martin Groom also praised the efforts of the search teams who located the casualty quickly in difficult conditions and escorted him back to the cliff path at Whitecliff Bay.
Anyone who spots someone in difficulty should contact the Coastguard by dialing 999.
