Helicopter air-lifts stranded teenager from cliffs on Brean Down

Published: August 1, 2009
Helicopter air-lifts stranded teenager from cliffs on Brean Down

A teenage boy has been rescued by a Coastguard helicopter after getting stuck on the steep cliffs of Brean Down on Friday evening (July 31st).

The 15-year-old was airlifted to safety from the south-facing cliffs near Brean Cove after getting stranded while attempting to climb up from the beach.

Beach warden Pete Williams spotted the boy in difficulty and raised the alarm.

Coastguards from Burnham-On-Sea and Weston were called to the scene at around 5.20pm and a Coastguard cliff climber was lowered down to try and reach him, but the helicopter was called in to safely lift him off - as pictured here.

The teenager, Thomas Robinson, from Welshpool in Wales, was visiting relatives in nearby Weston. He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I was messing about on the cliffs with some friends and intended to climb up the top but got stuck half way."

"I didn't have any ropes or climbing gear, so I know it was a bit stupid."

Thomas, pictured below, added: "I was stuck on the cliffs for about 40 minutes before the helicopter lifted me off and lowered me down to the beach. I was very grateful for everyone's help."

Mum Jayne Robinson told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We were incredibly grateful for the speedy response of the beach warden and the Coastguards."

"I was very cross with Thomas for climbing up, but do think there could be better warning signs alerting people to the dangers."

Burnham Coastguards issued a warning about climbing the steep cliffs of the Down earlier in July after a man had to be rescued after getting in a similar way - as reported here.