Sidmouth Cliff Collapse Sends Beachgoers Fleeing into Sea

A dramatic cliff collapse at Sidmouth, Devon, on Saturday afternoon sent beachgoers scrambling for safety, forcing some to flee into the sea.

The incident occurred at the Jacob's Ladder end of the beach at 4.25pm, resulting in a large dust cloud billowing into the sky. A photograph captured at the scene depicts the close call faced by two individuals, who were forced to dash into the sea to avoid the falling debris.

An eyewitness told DevonLive that those caught in the path of the collapsing cliff had no choice but to seek refuge in the sea. Following the incident, the Sidmouth Lifeboat was deployed to conduct a shoreline search near Salcombe Mouth, ensuring no one had been swept into the sea by the collapsing debris.

East Devon District Council, the authority responsible for Sidmouth, has previously issued warnings about the dangers posed by the area's cliffs, urging visitors to exercise caution. A spokesperson for the council stated, "Rock falls and landslides are unpredictable events, occurring without warning, and can cause serious injury or death."

The council further advised beachgoers to always maintain a safe distance from the cliffs, which are all composed of soft rock and prone to collapse. The Coastguard recommends staying at least a distance equivalent to the cliff's height, for example, staying 20 metres away from a 20-metre high cliff.

The cliffs at Sidmouth are known for their instability, having witnessed several collapses in recent years. Dramatic "waterfall of earth" scenes were recorded at East Beach in September, while another significant rockfall occurred near Jacob's Ladder in October.

In March, another major cliff collapse sent boulders the size of cars hurtling down onto the beach, causing concern among locals and tourists alike. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of these cliffs and the importance of heeding safety advice.