Dramatic shore rescue for family

8:00pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

A FAMILY has been airlifted from rocks in stormy conditions after they became cut off by the tide at Ilfracombe.

A group of three adults and two children were trapped on rocks and were waving for help.

Someone called the Coastguard to alert them of the family in danger at 5.50pm on Monday (August 18).

Ilfracombe Coastguard Rescue Team were sent to the scene, as well as a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor, which was diverted to the incident.

The rescue helicopter airlifted the family to safety in very strong winds and Coastguards met the family on shore.

David Jones at Swansea Coastguard said: “If you are heading out to walk on the coast please check local tide times and the weather forecast because it will save you from being cut off. The rescue today was made more challenging by gale force 9 winds this afternoon."

The family are now safe and well and are staying at a nearby caravan park at Combe Martin.

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