Lyme Regis Coastguard

03/06/2026

28/05/2026

🆘 INCIDENT:Rescue at Charmouth Beach 🚨
​This afternoon, the Lyme Regis Coast Guard Rescue Team was tasked alongside West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team and the South Western Ambulance Service to a incident at Charmouth Beach, following reports of an individual who had fallen from the cliffs onto the beach.
Upon arrival, teams successfully located the casualty on the beach, and an initial assessment undertaken by paramedics. Due to the nature of the injuries and the terrain, the Coastguard rescue helicopter Rescue 387 was scrambled for assistance. The casualty was safely transferred via helicopter from the beach to a secondary landing site near the main car park.
​From there, the individual was passed back into the care of the ambulance service and subsequently transported to the hospital for further treatment.

​Incidents like this require seamless teamwork, and we would like to extend our massive thanks to:
▪️​West Bay Coast Guard & Ambulance Crews for the excellent interagency agency response.
▪️​Charmouth Council staff, who stepped in on the ground to assist with vital crowd control.
​▪️NCI Lyme Bay volunteers, who kindly offered to assist with securing the helicopter landing site.
▪️The members of the public who helped us by staying well back from our helicopter landing zones.
​We wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery.

​⚠️ SAFETY REMINDER: The cliffs along our coastline can be highly unstable and should not be climbed upon. Please stay well back from cliff edges and away from the base of cliffs when on the beach.
​In any emergency at the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

26/05/2026

🆘 INCIDENT: False Alarm with Good Intent 🚣
This afternoon, the Lyme Regis Coastguard team was tasked with two potential paddleboarders spotted at an extreme distance on the horizon, who could at that distance be in difficulty.
Upon closer inspection, the suspected paddleboarders were actually two people in a small tender boat about a mile or so at sea, who were doing some fishing. As the boat returned to shore, Coastguard officers met the occupants to check they were okay and confirmed they hadn't seen anyone else in distress out on the water in their location. With no actual paddleboarders located or reported missing, we liaised with our Ops room and the team safely stood down.

👏 We would like to praise the staff at the Lyme Regis RNLI shop, who were alerted by a concerned member of the public and quickly dialled 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and passed the details to us. We would always rather be tasked to a false alarm with good intent than miss a legitimate emergency.

When out on the water in this lovely weather we are having, ensure you are fully prepared, including;
▪️ Letting someone shore based know where you're going and when you'll be back, and what to do if you're overdue.
▪️Have a means of calling for help yourself, this could be a phone in a waterproof pouch.
▪️Wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket, should you end up in the water, this will help you float.

☀️ With the ongoing heatwave bringing exceptional temperatures to the southwest please stay safe, hydrated and be aware of heatstroke. If you see or suffer any emergency or potential emergency on the beach or coastline, dial 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.

(Photo from stock)

12/05/2026

🆘 Tasking: Technical Rope Recovery Near Lyme Regis🚨

​Lyme Regis and West Bay Coastguard Rescue Teams were deployed this afternoon to recover a walker trapped in dense undergrowth below the Lyme Regis Golf Course East of The Spittles. ​The individual had strayed from the main path into thick scrub and quickly realised they were lost and in a dangerous position.

​Key details of the rescue:
▪️​Smart Thinking: Recognising they were lost, the walker wisely stayed put in a safe spot and called for help immediately rather than attempting to push through the treacherous terrain.
▪️​Precision Location: Using the what3words app, the casualty provided a pinpoint location, allowing teams to find them despite being invisible from the path.
▪️​Technical Ex*****on: Due to the steep, overgrown terrain, a rope rescue technician descended from the cliff edge to reach the walker and bring them up to safety.
▪️​Outcome: We are pleased to report the individual was recovered safely with no injuries.

⚠️ ​The Undercliff terrain between Lyme Regis and Charmouth is notoriously deceptive. To stay safe:
1️⃣ ​Stick to established paths: Straying even a few meters can lead to being trapped in dense scrub.
2️⃣​ Download what3words: It is the fastest way for us to find you in an emergency.
3️⃣​ Stay Put: If you get lost, follow this walker's example—stop, stay safe, and call for help.

​In a coastal emergency, dial 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Photo Credit: West Bay Coastguard

11/05/2026

🚨 Update to last lights incident 🆘

We’ve seen a few news reports today following our callout to the abandoned bonfire at Charmouth, and we’d like to clarify the "injury" to one of our officers.
​While it is true that a piece of flint did pop and hit one of our team members, we’d like to reassure everyone that it was minor in the extreme.
▪️​The Injury: A tiny nick to the ear.
▪️​The Treatment: None required. We didn't even need to break out a plaster! 🩹
▪️​The Status: Our officer is fine and more confused by the fuss this has caused.

🔥 ​Why do stones explode in fires?
​It is a good reminder of why the Charmouth Fire Station crew advise against lighting fires directly on the stones. Flint and other beach rocks contain moisture; when they get heated by a fire, that moisture turns to steam and can cause the rocks to crack or "explode" with surprising force.

⚠️ ​While the news story makes it sound like a major incident, the takeaway remains the same:
▪️​Don't leave beach fires unattended.
▪️​Use a raised fire pit to protect the beach and prevent exploding rocks.
▪️​If you see something suspicious (like lights on a cliff), please keep calling it in!

​Thanks for the concern, but we can confirm that all are well on the Lyme Regis team.

10/05/2026

🚨CALLOUT 21:30🚨– Charmouth Beach & Abandoned Bonfire

​The team was tasked late yesterday evening following reports of people and suspicious flashing lights on the cliffs at Charmouth, suggesting persons in potential difficulty on the mud.

​Upon arrival, the Lyme Regis search team deployed onto the beach to investigate. We quickly located two individuals on the cliff face. It turned out these were two local professional fossil hunters out for a night collection.
​We are pleased to report that the pair were:
▪️​Well-equipped with appropriate safety gear and high-powered lighting.
▪️​Working with the tide well below them, posing no immediate risk of being cut off.
▪️​In good spirits and enjoying the calm weather conditions.
​After confirming they were safe and required no assistance, we left them to their evening.

​🔥 Abandoned Bonfire
​As the team was heading back, we spotted a large fire flare-up on the beach near the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. A bonfire had been left unattended and was burning vigorously. With no one nearby to claim responsibility and several people sleeping in vans in the immediate vicinity, the decision was made to call for backup to prevent the fire from spreading or becoming a hazard.

🚒​ A big thank you to our colleagues at Charmouth Fire Station , who attended the scene and quickly dampened down the flames to make the area safe.

​📢 Safety Note: If in doubt, call it out
​We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the person who reported the lights on the cliff. While these were professional fossil hunters in no danger, you did exactly the right thing.
​Torch lights on a cliff face, beach or coast path at night can easily be a signal for help. We would much rather respond to a well-intended false alarm than miss a genuine emergency.

🆘 ​In a coastal emergency, dial 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard.

19/04/2026

TASKING: Sunday 06:50 | Kayaker in Difficulty

Early this Sunday morning, the Lyme Regis Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked with reports of a kayaker who had become unwell at sea in Lyme Bay.

The RNLI Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched and quickly located the individual. Under the watchful eye and assistance of the RNLI crew, the kayaker was able to paddle back to their launch point at Charmouth.
This incident was a great example of seamless joint working between the two rescue assets. While the RNLI provided the necessary safety cover on the water, Coastguard team members met the group on the shore to provide medical assessment if needed and welfare support.

Despite the potential medical situation, the pair were incredibly well prepared, which prevented a bad situation from becoming worse. They had:
🛟PFD's: Everyone was wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
📱Communication: They were carrying VHFs/Radios and mobile phones.
⏳Early Activation: As soon as they realised they were potentially in trouble, they didn't hesitate—they called 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and asked for the Coastguard.

The best way to stay safe at sea is to be prepared to be rescued, have a means of calling for help; this could be a phone, radio or personal location beacon. Fortunately, the individual began to feel much better once back on dry land. After a final check-over by the CRT, the group was able to head home safely.

If you see someone in trouble on the coast, or if you find yourself in difficulty like this group did, do not hesitate. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

02/04/2026

🚁 INCIDENT UPDATE: Third Tasking of the Day

​It has been a non-stop day for our crews. Lyme Regis Coastguard and West Bay Coastguard were tasked to our third incident of the day—this time for a person stuck on the cliffs with a rapidly rising tide.
​Due to the precarious location and the incoming water, a multi-agency response was launched, including the RNLI Lyme Regis, West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team and a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

​The Rescue:
🚨 ​On the Ground: Two Coastguard officers successfully made contact with the individual on the cliff face.
🛟 ​On the Water: Lyme RNLI remained offshore to monitor the situation and provide safety cover.
🆘 ​The Extraction: After providing the casualty with safety advice for a winch recovery, our officers had to retreat as the tide threatened to cut off their exit path. It was quickly decided that a helicopter extraction was the safest way to get the individual home.

🚁 ​The individual was successfully winched and flown to Monmouth Beach, where they were met by waiting Coastguard teams. Although understandably cold after the ordeal, we are happy to report they were uninjured.

​Despite it being a busy day for us, we want to highlight that the casualty did exactly the right thing. When they realized they were in trouble and the tide was closing in:
▪️​They stayed put to avoid making a bad situation worse.
▪️​They called for help immediately.
▪️​Their quick logical thinking turned a dangerous situation into a successful rescue

If you find yourself in difficulty along the coast, follow their lead: Dial 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard.

02/04/2026

🌊 Busy Day for the Team: Double Call-Out 🌊
​It’s been a high-tempo day for the Lyme Regis Coastguard team, with two very different incidents requiring a swift, multi-agency response.

​🚑 Incident 1: Medical Rescue at Seatown
​Our first tasking took us toward Seatown to assist a casualty with a suspected broken ankle. Due to the challenging terrain, we worked closely with our colleagues from West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team. Utilizing our team’s off-road capabilities, we were able to successfully locate and extricate the casualty, transferring them safely into the care of the awaiting South Western Ambulance Service. We wish them a swift recovery.

​💣 Incident 2: Live Ordnance on Lyme Beach
Just as we were returning to the station, a second call came in: suspected ordnance discovered on the sandy beach in Lyme Regis.
The team deployed immediately and located the item— later confirmed to be a live, high-caliber .50 caliber projectile. The round was slightly deformed, presenting a potential risk to the public.
​▪️An initial cordon was established. Following consultation with the MOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, the cordon was extended to ensure the safety of beachgoers, local business staff, and emergency workers.
▪️​This was a massive team effort. We would like to extend our thanks to West Bay Coastguard, our Senior Coastguard Operations Officer from HM Coastguard - Dorset, Lyme Regis Town Council, Lyme Regis Fire Station , and Dorset Police for their vital assistance in maintaining the scene.
​
​Fortunately, upon arrival, EOD experts were able to safely remove the live round for disposal at an off-site location. This meant the cordon could be lifted quickly, allowing the beach to return to normal.

​⚠️ Safety Reminder: If you find something unusual on the beach that looks like old ammunition or ordnance, do not touch it. 1. Move away from the object.
2. Keep others back.
3. Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

07/03/2026

🚨🆘Positive outcome to an interagency rescue🐕‍🦺🧗‍♂️

Yesterday afternoon, the team was tasked to reports of a dog—the lovely Luna a cocker spaniel—who had fallen over the cliff near Stonebarrow, Charmouth.

​This was a complex recovery that required a massive team effort. Working alongside West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team, Beer Coastguard Rescue Team, and a Senior Coastguard Officer from HM Coastguard - Dorset, we deployed cliff technicians to reach her. Due to the terrain, and Luna's evasion tactics, we also requested assistance from our partners at Charmouth Fire Station and the Weymouth Fire Station Technical Rescue Team.

​The Result? Working seamlessly together, teams secured Luna into a specialized Coastguard animal rescue bag and brought her safely back up the cliff and handed her to her owners.

​We train for these rescues. Last autumn, Lyme and West Bay teams practiced specific rope rescue drills with the Weymouth Technical Rescue team for this exact scenario. Yesterday proved that interagency cooperation and joint training are the keys to a successful rescue.

​Well done to everyone involved!

📞 In any Coastal emergency, dial 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard.