**Child Rescued After Becoming Stranded on Cliff Above Popular Welsh Beach**
Emergency services raced to Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire this week after a child was left stranded on a precarious cliff face, roughly 25 metres above the rocky shore below. The incident, which unfolded in the early afternoon of Tuesday, 24 June, prompted a swift response from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and HM Coastguard, highlighting once again the dangers present on the region’s rugged coastline.
The young boy, whose age has not been disclosed, was reportedly spotted stuck halfway up the sheer cliff. Concerned members of the public quickly notified authorities after it became apparent that the steep and hazardous terrain made it impossible to reach the child safely from below. Several bystanders considered attempting a rescue, but their efforts were thwarted by the treacherous drops and loose footing typical of the area.
Photographs captured by Angle Lifeboat RNLI volunteers at the scene illustrate the peril the child faced, showing him perched high above the rocks, unable to move up or down. The dramatic images serve as a sobering reminder of the potential risks associated with coastal exploration, especially for children and those unfamiliar with cliff environments.
A spokesman for the Angle Lifeboat station detailed the events leading up to the rescue. The RNLI team had originally set out for a routine refuelling exercise at Neyland Marina but were quickly diverted at 1.19pm when coastguard officials received a dropped emergency 999 call reporting the dangerous situation. With urgency, the lifeboat crew made their way to Marloes Sands and arrived at the scene approximately 25 minutes later.
Upon arrival, the RNLI team conducted a systematic search of the cliff face, eventually locating the child in his vulnerable position. Observers reported seeing other beachgoers on the scene, desperate to offer assistance but unable to safely intervene. The situation required technical expertise and caution, with the risk of a fall being considerable at such a height.
Specialist coastguard teams from Dale and St David’s were quickly deployed to support the rescue effort. The crews communicated closely to locate the child and plan a safe method for retrieving him from the cliff face. The RNLI lifeboat maintained a standby position offshore, ready to act should any further complications arise during the rescue.
A delicate operation ensued, with coastguard professionals deploying climbing equipment to reach the stranded youngster. Witnesses noted the calm professionalism of the teams as they established secure lines and orchestrated the child’s safe extraction from the precarious ledge. After a tense wait, the child was successfully brought back to safety, drawing relief and applause from onlookers and rescuers alike.
Incidents like these underscore the importance of coastal safety, particularly in areas that attract families and visitors during the summer months. Authorities routinely advise the public to exercise caution near cliffs and unstable slopes, and to keep children and pets well clear of dangerous edges. Rescue crews also discourage members of the public from attempting risky rescues themselves, urging that professionals are best equipped to handle such situations.
In this case, the successful outcome was largely thanks to the quick actions of the emergency services and the vigilance of those who raised the alarm. Whilst the child was unharmed, the episode serves as a timely reminder of why respecting nature’s hazards and observing local safety guidelines is so crucial when enjoying Britain’s dramatic coastlines.
Marloes Sands is renowned for its sweeping vistas and striking cliffs—a magnet for holidaymakers and locals alike. As the school holidays approach, emergency services are expected to remain on high alert, reinforcing their commitment to keeping communities and visitors safe along Wales’s storied shores.