Rescue teams respond after major cliff collapse at East Devon beach
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Emergency services rushed to Budleigh Beach in East Devon over the weekend following a dramatic cliff collapse that left beachgoers stranded and triggered a full-scale rescue operation.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon (27th July) just west of Steamer Steps, involved a significant section of cliff breaking away and crashing down onto the pebble beach below. Dust and debris filled the air as large rocks fell, forcing immediate action from rescue teams and prompting authorities to close parts of the coastal path.
Rescue teams from Beer, Exmouth, and Dawlish Coastguard, alongside Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat and Devon and Cornwall Police, were deployed in a coordinated response to the emergency. A Coastguard drone and additional search crews scoured the area amid initial fears that someone may have been trapped beneath the rubble.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, two people were found stranded on the wrong side of the collapse and were safely transported back to Budleigh Beach by lifeboat.
Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, which led the water-based rescue, stated: “Our primary objective was to search for anyone caught in the fall zone and to assist Coastguard teams already on scene. Upon arrival, our crew discovered several people stranded. Two were safely transferred back. Thanks to all volunteers and agencies involved for their swift response and teamwork.”
Local authorities acted swiftly to cordon off the affected area. Devon County Council has since closed sections of the South West Coast Path surrounding the collapse, warning the public not to ignore the closures or attempt to bypass them. The beach and cliffs in the area remain unstable, prompting continued safety warnings.
Exmouth Coastguard reinforced the message: “Please avoid the area and don’t attempt to circumvent the closures. These cliffs are unstable, and rockfalls can happen without warning.”
The event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cliff terrain along the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site that draws thousands of visitors annually. With increased foot traffic during the summer holidays, authorities are urging visitors to take cliffside warnings seriously.
As of Monday morning, taped-off sections remain in place and monitoring of the cliff face continues.
Residents and tourists alike are advised to heed all posted warnings and updates from local authorities to avoid further danger.
( Photo: Unsplash 📸 )