Coastguard teams from Hastings, Bexhill and Rye Bay used ropes to to recover the three stranded people after being called to the scene at 5pm. All three were stuck part of the way down the cliff.
A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said, “With daylight slipping away, the teams worked quickly and smoothly together to reach, secure and recover all casualties safely. The final person was brought up in the last of the fading light. All three were in good spirits—just a bit cold—and happily accepted blankets, jackets and water while we checked them over.”
The successful rescue could have had a very different outcome given the fading light, said the spokesperson. “As the days are still short and temperatures drop quickly after sunset, it’s well worth keeping an eye on the time, planning your route, and giving yourself plenty of daylight to get back safely. And please, stay away from cliff edges!”
The emergency services returned to the scene the following day for another rescue when a person was reported to be in distress at Hastings Country Park near Ecclesbourne Glen.
Coastguard teams worked with Sussex Police to bring the casualty to safety, before being transferred to an ambulance.
Image Credits: HM Coastguard Bexhill .