Beachgoers had a heart-stopping moment when they had to flee into the sea as a massive cliff collapsed onto the sand at Sidmouth, Devon. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon at the Jacob’s Ladder end of the beach, with the cliff giving way at 4.25 pm, creating a colossal dust cloud that billowed into the sky. A picture taken at the scene captured the close call for two individuals who had to sprint into the sea to avoid the collapsing cliffs.
Eyewitnesses described the scene, saying it appeared as if the individuals had no choice but to seek refuge in the water to escape the dust clouds. Following the collapse, the Sidmouth Lifeboat was dispatched to conduct a shoreline search near Salcombe Mouth to ensure no one had been swept into the sea. East Devon District Council, which covers Sidmouth, had previously cautioned about the danger posed by the cliffs, emphasizing that rock falls and landslides are unpredictable and can lead to serious injury or even death.
The council spokesperson reminded visitors to be cautious around the soft rock cliffs of East Devon, recommending people to maintain a safe distance equivalent to the height of the cliffs. The Coastguard also issued guidelines urging beachgoers to stay away from cliffs to avoid potential risks. Sidmouth has a history of cliff collapses, with previous incidents at East Beach and Jacob’s Ladder. Notably, the cliffs have witnessed scenes of significant rockfall and instability, prompting authorities to continually advise vigilance when near these coastal features.
The latest cliff collapse at Jacob’s Ladder serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks posed by the cliffs along the Sidmouth coastline and highlights the importance of heeding safety precautions when enjoying the beach environment.