Several Beachgoers had a fortunate escape as a cliff dramatically collapsed onto a beach in Devon, sending sunbathers rushing into the sea to avoid the falling rocks. The incident, captured in a video that has since gone viral, occurred at the Jacob’s Ladder end of the beach during the town’s Regatta weekend. As tons of rocks tumbled down, a cloud of brown dust billowed into the sky, prompting panic among those present.
Close Call for Sunbathers
The video footage of the cliff collapse paints a vivid picture of just how close the disaster came to harming individuals enjoying a day out at the beach. Families with young children were among those who had to hastily evacuate the area, running towards the water to seek safety from the landslide and ensuing cloud of dust. This incident marks the second time this year that the cliff has crumbled onto the beach, raising concerns about the safety of the area for visitors.
Search and Caution Advised
Following the collapse, the Sidmouth Lifeboat was deployed to search the shoreline near Salcombe Mouth to ensure that no one had been swept into the sea. A spokesperson for East Devon District Council issued a warning, emphasizing that the cliffs in the area pose a significant danger and urging caution when visiting. Rock falls and landslides are described as unpredictable events that can result in serious injury or even death, highlighting the importance of being vigilant while in the vicinity of the cliffs.
Historical Instability
The cliffs in Sidmouth have a history of instability, with previous incidents of rock falls occurring at both East Beach and Jacob’s Ladder. In September, footage captured a “waterfall of earth” cascading down at the East Beach end of the town, while another incident occurred in October past Jacob’s Ladder. The most recent collapse took place in March, with witnesses describing rocks the size of cars plummeting onto the beach below. The Coastguard advises beach users to maintain a safe distance from the cliffs, equal to their height, to minimize the risk of accidents.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of visitors to the area, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by natural landscapes. The unpredictability of cliff collapses underscores the need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines, especially in areas prone to such incidents. Beachgoers are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about any potential risks while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Devon’s coastal cliffs.