A GROUP of holidaymakers who were cut off by the rising tide sparked a full-scale alert for coastguards and RNLI lifeboats last night (Thursday September 29).

They were trying to make their way back to Blue Anchor but found themselves trapped at the foot of crumbling cliffs.

Both of Minehead’s lifeboats were at sea within seven minutes of being called to help.

The boats were rapidly on scene but no intervention was necessary after a coastguard unit managed to reach the group and lead them to safety.

This is the fourth such incident Minehead’s volunteer crews have had to deal with this year.

Minehead RNLI spokesman Chris Rundle warned anyone not familiar with the local coastline to consult tide tables and, if possible, speak to someone with local knowledge before venturing along it.

“The higher the tide, the greater the risk of people becoming trapped at points where the sea comes right up to the foot of the cliffs,” he said.

“Rescuing people trapped in such positions is something we have the training and the boats to do.

“But we cannot emphasise enough the importance of checking both the time of the tide and the height – and to consider whether they will be able to get on and off the beach safely before setting out.”