Two men, who became stranded on an Irish sea beach at the bottom of cliffs due to heavy sea conditions, have been recovered by Welsh coastguard rescue officers.

Milford Haven Coastguard received a 999 call at 7.15 pm this evening reporting that the two men were stranded in heavy surf at the bottom of cliffs at Devil's Bridge near Broadhaven. Broadhaven Coastguard Rescue Team was requested to attend the scene, Littlehaven RNLI inshore lifeboat was requested to launch and the rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor was scrambled.

There were heavy sea conditions on scene with strengthening winds and so a decision was made that the safest course of action would be to lower a coastguard from Broadhaven Coastguard Rescue Team to the stranded men, then bring both men back up the cliff face. This operation would be backed up by the Dale Coastguard Rescue Team and illumination of the cliff face would be provided by the lifeboat from the bottom and the helicopter overhead.

The two men, both dressed in wetsuits were recovered by the coastguard rescue team to the top of the cliff. A third man (the first informant) was also assisted back up the cliffs from the cliff path where he had been observing the ongoing situation and reporting back to Milford Haven Coastguard.

Bob Peel, Milford Haven Coastguard Watch Manager says:

"When all of the rescue assets arrived on scene, we had to make an assessment about what would be the safest way of getting the two men to safety. Due to the swell, wind conditions and height of the cliffs (about 200 ft), we decided that using the coastguard rescue team would be the best option. I am pleased to say that all three men are safe and well."