Trapped walkers flown to safety

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/sussex/7994270.stm

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Four walkers had to be rescued by a helicopter crew after becoming trapped by a rising tide at an East Sussex beauty spot.

The two men and two women escaped uninjured after the incident at Ecclesbourne Glen, near Hastings.

They were winched to safety by an RAF rescue helicopter after a member of the public saw them in distress on Friday.

He had contacted the Coastguard after the walkers made signs suggesting they were going to try to swim.

The Hastings Coastguard rescue team and the town's RNLI lifeboat went to the scene but the awkward location and high waters led to the crews asking for the assistance of the helicopter.

It was believed the walkers, who were from London, had got into difficulty up the cliff after straying from a coastal path when the high tide cut the beach off.

Andy Nye, watch officer for Dover Coastguard, said: "Coastal walkers should make every effort to check high water times for their route before setting off and, if in any doubt about the safety of a planned route, contact the local coastguard."