News story

Coastguard plea for people to stay away from breaking waves

Public warned to stay clear of strong waves.

Rescue operations

Coastguard Rescue Officers rescued people from cars tonight on Slapton Road at Torcross, Devon after the waves broke across the coast road depositing water, sand and rocks.

At 5pm tonight (14 February 2014) Brixham Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a call from a member of the public reporting that people were putting themselves in danger at a car park between Torcross and Slapton Sands. With very rough seas and gale force winds Coastguard Rescue Officers from the teams based in Dartmouth and Prawle went to the scene where they rescued 4 people from 2 cars before the Coastguard vehicle itself became stuck on the Slapton Road.

None of the people who were rescued needed medical attention but the coastguard vehicle will need the attention of a mechanic.

Dave Scullion Brixham Coastguard Watch Manager said:

We have storm force winds around the south west tonight and rough seas that are generating waves that are breaking over roads. For their own safety and the safety of the rescue services we would ask everyone to stay away from seafronts until this wild weather abates.

If you do get into difficulty, or spot someone who might be in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

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Updates to this page

Published 14 February 2014