The coastguard helicopter had to be called to Aberystwyth this weekend to help a person who became trapped by the incoming tide.

The Aberystwyth RNLI lifeboat team were requested to launch at 8.05pm on Saturday, 6 June after Dyfed-Powys Police received a phone call from a person who had was trapped by the incoming tide.

The casualty did not know his exact location but was south of Tan-y-Bwlch beach.

Aberystwyth RNLI conducted a shoreline search of the area and the cliffs and found the casualty approximately half a mile south of Tan-y-Bwlch, “safe but stuck” on a ledge six metres above sea level.

Aberystwyth Coastguard Rescue team then had to be directed to the cliff top directly above the casualty after the lifeboat crew were unable to land the crew on the cliff or reach the ledge safely.

But whilst setting up for a rope rescue, the coastguard team noticed a number of dense gorse bushes that the casualty would have to be taken up through.

The team decided to request the UK Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from St Athan. The helicopter arrived on scene at 9.40pm and they were able to winch the casualty to safety.

A spokesperson for Aberystwyth RNLI said: “The coastguard helicopter then landed on the stop of the cliffs and passed the casualty to the coastguard team.

“The casualty did not require any further medical attention and so was taken home.

“The lifeboat returned to the station where the boat and equipment was washed down and sanitised ready for the next shout.

“With high tides this week, we would urge anyone using the coast to check the weather and tide times to ensure they are not caught out.”