SIX teenagers had to swim to safety strapped to members of Minehead's lifeboat crew after being stranded by the incoming tide on cliffs off Foreland Point.

The dramatic rescue on Wednesday evening near Lynmouth was hampered by the inaccessibility of the location, making it difficult for a helicopter or cliff rescue team to reach the students.

Minehead's Atlantic 85 lifeboat was called out following a 999 call to Swansea Coastguard because the inshore vessel was thought to be the best option for working in the shallow waters.

Luckily, Minehead fishing boat Osprey was in the area and skipper Steve Webber was able to guide the teenagers and advise them to stay where they were until help arrived.

The group, from Reading, had been taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award challenge when they got into difficulty.

One had suffered a sprained ankle and all were said to be extremely wet and cold.

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When the Minehead lifeboat arrived at the scene it not only had to cope with the rising tide but also navigate hidden rocks and submerged lobster pots.

Helmsman Andrew Escott decided that the safest option was to send a swimmer ashore to assess the situation.

Taking the boat as close as possible, each of the teenagers then swam out to it attached to a crew member.

Once safely aboard, their condition was assessed before they taken to nearby Lynmouth Harbour.

Lifeboat spokesman Mathew Thresher said: "This was a difficult operation due to a number of hidden rocks and lobster pots.

"The Atlantic 85 is perfectly suited to such conditions and our crew were able to retrieve the casualties quickly and safely."

Mr Thresher said the crew wanted to express their appreciation to the skipper of the Osprey for staying at the scene and guiding the lifeboat into the area.

Photo: Doug Jeffries