A coastguard search and rescue helicopter was called in to help rescuers locate two women who had become dangerously stuck on a cliff near St Alban’s Head in Dorset.
Following an emergency call, coastguard teams from St Albans, Kimmeridge and Swanage went to the aid of the women on the afternoon of Saturday 2nd May 2026.
The view of St Albans Head from the rescue helicopter
“Access particularly challenging”
St Alban’s Head near Worth Matravers is a scenic spot overlooking the sea, popular with climbers and walkers.
Swanage Coastguard reported:
“On arrival near the quarry, teams began searching and calling out but needed to set up specialist equipment to safely reach a position where they could communicate with the pair.
“The area was covered in dense hawthorn bushes, making access particularly challenging. A rope technician was carefully lowered to secure the individuals and prevent further danger.”
The coastguard teams set up a system of ropes to enable a specialist rope technician to safely climb down the cliff and reach the two women
The coastguard search and rescue helicoper airlifted the women from the side of the cliff, back up to the top
Airlifed to the top of the cliff
The coastguard search and rescue helicopter from St Athan in Wales was used to help guide the rope technician from the coastguard team, along a safe route towards the women.
They were then safely airlifted to the top of the cliff along with the rope technician, where an ambulance crew was able to assess the two women for any injuries.
The coastguard helicopter had flown from St Athan in Wales
Further information
- More about Swanage, Kimmeridge and St Albans Head coastguard teams on their Facebook pages
