A STRANDED walker was rescued from cliffs on the West Somerset coast between Minehead and Porlock after a multi-maritime emergency agencies operation.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s (RNLI) D-Class inshore lifeboat crew was scrambled from Minehead together with coastguard teams from Minehead and Watchet after the man became cut off by the tide.

The coastguard search and rescue helicopter 187 from St Athan’s, in Wales, was also deployed to the area.

The man’s location was known only as ‘near to Hurlstone Point’, so the lifeboat crew began a shoreline search as they battled challenging sea conditions to reach the scene.

The walker was able to liaise with HM Coastguard Maritime control to guide the lifeboat and helicopter to him, and he was eventually spotted more than 160 feet up treacherous cliffs and close to a rugged section of the South West Coast Path.

Due to the man’s perilous position a decision was made for the coastguard helicopter to winch him from the cliffs, with the lifeboat standing by to assist if required.

The helicopter then landed on Selworthy Beacon to transfer the walker to a waiting coastguard rescue team.

Lifeboat helmsman Harry Mouzouri said: “The walker had found himself in a dangerous position and it is lucky that we were quickly on hand in case the situation deteriorated.

“When cut off by the tide it is always best to call coastguard rather than trying to self-rescue and putting yourself into a more dangerous situation.”

The rescue took place as the RNLI marked the 60th anniversary of the introduction of inshore lifeboats to its fleet.

Lifeboat operations manager John Higgie said: “Once again, this really demonstrates the unique capability of our D-Class lifeboat to get close to the rocky coastline and to effect rescues that other boats would be too large to manage.”

A coastguard spokesman said: “We would like to remind anybody visiting the coastline to check the tide times, liaise with locals, and/or read walking books and maps about where the inaccessible parts of the coast are.

“In a coastal emergency, remember to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”