Rockfall Strands Sunbathers, Lifeboat Rescues Devon Beach

A massive rockfall occurred at Budleigh Salterton Beach in Devon, leaving several sunbathers stranded and prompting a rescue operation involving the Sidmouth Lifeboat, coastguards, and police. Despite the dramatic collapse, which sent tons of cliff stones and plumes of red dust onto the beach, no injuries were reported. Rescuers successfully evacuated two individuals trapped by the landslide, while Devon County Council has since closed the affected section of the coastal path indefinitely due to the instability of the cliffs. Eyewitnesses described the event as terrifying, with some beachgoers running into the sea to escape the falling debris. Authorities have warned the public to maintain a safe distance from the cliff edges and bases and to heed all safety warnings. This incident echoes a similar cliff collapse at Jacob's Ladder beach in nearby Sidmouth last year, underscoring ongoing risks along this coastline.