Multi-agency response to rescue two teenagers from Durdle Door cliffs

Police officers, paramedics, firefighters and coastguard officers were called to rescue two 16-year-old boys from the cliffs at Durdle Door at around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.

The coastguard helicopter was scrambled to winch the teenagers from the cliff but the plan was abandoned for fears they might be blown off the edge.

Instead, coastguard officers lowered themselves over the side of the cliff using a rope system and pulled the boys to safety where they were reunited with their families.

A spokesman for Kimmeridge Coastguard said: "On arrival, a request was made for coastguard rescue helicopter 175 to come in and take a look with regards to a winch rescue as it was training locally in the area.

"With coastguard teams all set up and ready to deploy a coastguard rope rescue technician over the edge, the coastguard helicopter was concerned of the downdraft blowing the casualties off the edge so the initial plan was quickly put into place.

Picture: Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team

"With the coastguard rope rescue technician having been lowered and secured the two casualties from immediate danger, a full cliff set up was rigged and working closely together all teams recovered them safely back to the top.

"After a debrief was carried out all assets were stood down and returned to station.

""Technical rescue teams and crews from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) also assisted as did Dorset Police helping with crowd control.

"As always, the staff from Lulworth Estate did a great job helping keep spectators back from the cliff edge and clearing the beach below.

"A very well executed rescue involving a great multi agency response, with everyone working extremely well together."

A spokesman for Wyke Coastguard said: "The team was paged at 4.39pm to reports of two 16-year-old casualties stuck half way up the cliff at Man O'War bay, next to Durdle Door.

Picture: Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team

"Due to the casualty location being on potentially loose cliffs, and the relatively close proximity to crowds returning from Durdle Door, winching was deemed too risky, so extraction by rope of the now secured casualties was deemed the safest method of recovery.

"With further resources now on scene to assist, a second cliff top set-up was put in next to the initial immediate rescue team and a second cliff technician was lowered to allow retrieval of both casualties.

"Once in place, the teams then retrieved both casualties to the top of the cliff where the casualties were checked over and then reunited with their relatives.

"With both casualties safely at the top of the cliff, all equipment was broken down, and teams reconvened at the main carpark for debrief, before standing down shortly after 6.45pm.

"All in all a highly successful multi agency tasking with a very positive outcome. Special thanks go to Lulworth Estate wardens who crowd managed the onlookers, created an alternative exit route, and ushered people to safety."

Picture: Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team

A spokesman for DWFRS added: "We strongly advise anyone thinking of adventuring up onto the cliff not to. Not only are you risking your life by doing so but these actions tie up resources from multiple emergency services."