Volunteer Crew for both lifeboats called to climbing incident near Anvil Point

Initial information was uncertain, with some reports suggesting the climbers were in the water, so the lifeboats launched quickly and made best speed across Durlston Bay.

The D class inshore lifeboat, Roy Norgrove, was first to the scene and found one climber in the water. The casualty was quickly taken to the Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, George Thomas Lacy, just arriving at the scene, and placed aboard to receive treatment.

The inshore lifeboat returned to the cliffs to assess the condition of the second climber. They had also been in the water so it was decided to evacuate them for a medical assessment. The inshore lifeboat took them from the cliff and handed them to a passing lifeboat, relief lifeboat 17-27, Volunteer Spirit, as a more comfortable platform for the trip back to Swanage.

At the same time, coastguard helicopter 'Rescue 175' had also been tasked to the scene and soon a paramedic was being lowered to the all- weather lifeboat to take over treatment of the first casualty. They were quickly prepared for an airlift and taken directly to an air ambulance that was waiting at Anvil Point.

Back in Swanage Bay, the second casualty was brought ashore and met by a waiting ambulance crew. Both lifeboats were then able to re-house and prepare for the next incident.

Our thoughts are with the climber's friends and family.