Classic Example

21 August 2008

Watchkeepers Robert Ephgrave and Bob Denley experienced a minor incident that is a classic illustration of what the National Coastwatch Institution is all about.

The predicted closure time of the causeway to Worms Head was 17.40 hrs. It actually closed at 18.00 hrs.

At about the predicted closing time a young man in shorts and top was spotted running down the grass towards the causeway. He proceeded to cross the causeway at one point pausing, but then carrying on. The watchkeepers sounded the siren attracting the attention of the young man who then returned to the mainland.

Had he continued on to Worms Head he would have inevitably been cut off from the mainland. With the bravado of the young he may well have attempted to swim or wade back across the causeway - an extremely dangerous thing to do.

A simple action from the Coastwatch prevented a potentially dangerous situation.

The young man did not return past the lookout but stayed on the cliffs looking out over Kitchen Corner - let's hope he enjoyed the rest of his day!