Cliff rescue exercise at Newhaven West Beach
Coastguards and other emergency services put their skills to the test in a major rescue exercise.
Coastguard Rescue Officers from Newhaven, Birling Gap and Eastbourne have today (Thursday 20 November 2014) been taking part in a rope rescue scenario alongside Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire Service, West Sussex Fire Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service.
The exercise took place on West Beach at Newhaven. It started with a simulated 999 call reporting that a car with four people inside had gone over the cliff. Rescue teams then set up their rope rescue equipment and worked together to free and bring the casualties to the cliff top.
Coastguard Graham Easton, organiser of the exercise, said:
A search and rescue operation can often involve many different emergency services and agencies, who all have different roles and responsibilities when it comes to dealing with incidents.
This exercise at Newhaven’s West Beach today was a great opportunity for us to work together to ensure we’re as ready as we can be should an incident like this occur.
The Coastguard is a 24/7 emergency service, ready to respond at any time day or night to incidents on our coastline or out at sea. Remember, if you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
To ensure the scenario was authentic as possible, a car provided by East Sussex Fire Service was placed at the base of the cliffs at West Beach.
Press office
Email public.relations@mcga.gov.uk
Press enquiries 020381 72222 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Outside these hours, please dial the press enquiries number for emergency press enquiries only. You will hear a message giving details of how to contact the on call press officer.