A DISORIENTATED walker who was stranded with his dog on perilously loose rock 100ft above the beach was plucked to safety by helicopter in a dramatic cliff rescue near Culbone Chapel on Monday.
Three Coastguard teams, Minehead lifeboat and a rescue helicopter from South Wales were called out when the walker made a 999 call after losing his way on the coastal path between Porlock Weir and Culbone Chapel and becoming stuck on unstable rock scree close to the cliff edge.
Teams from Minehead, Lynmouth and Watchet Coastguard Search and Rescue scoured thickly wooded areas around the coastal path as light was fading but without success until the Minehead lifeboat crew caught a glimpse of a torch being flashed from the top of a 100ft cliff.
A Coastguard spokesman said: “The man was tired and in an extremely dangerous position on a sliding cliff face amid dense undergrowth which made it very difficult for a rope rescue team to reach the man safely.
“The safest option was to lift him out by helicopter. Following liaison with the rope rescue team, the Coastguard helicopter lowered a winch-man down to the stranded man, secured him to a rescue strop, put his dog into a rescue bag and winched them both to safety.”
After the helicopter landed in a field near Culbone Chapel, the man and his dog were taken by police back to the Porlock Weir hotel in which they were staying. They were none the worse for their ordeal.
The Coastguard spokesman added: “We remind anyone venturing out on to the coast to carry a map and tell someone where they are going and what time they are due back.
“The use of a mobile phone in this case not only allowed the man to dial 999 but also acted as a signalling device for attracting the attention of the lifeboat.
“If you become lost or disorientated on the coast, stick to the main footpaths and don’t attempt short cuts, especially where height is involved.
“Once a mobile signal is obtained, call for help and stay still, to allow rescuers to locate you.”