Boulder Ruckle a warning to climbers

Storm damage to local sea cliffs.

It has been bought to our attention of a recent significant rockfall in the Marmolata area of the Boulder Ruckle.

A substantial sized boulder has fallen, affecting a climb called Tatra. The climb was graded at VS, but with most of the first pitch now no longer there, it has been up graded to an E1. The 'caravan sized' boulder that has come away may of also affected the start of the climbs either side of Tatra.

Climbers - it would pay to be very cautious around all coastal sea cliff this coming year, and assume there will be damage in other areas as a result of the recent big storms.
Please make sure you have the relevant experience and skill level to attempt any climbs on the more adventurous sea cliffs we have in our area. Where possible, leave your abseil rope in place as a possible means of retreat. Check local knowledge, and UKclimbing is also good for information.

Though if you do find yourself in difficulty raise the alarm and ask for the Coastguard. Please could we also ask, if you find any other local climbs have changed due to storm damage, to keep us informed, or let Durlston Country Park know of the changes. (and post the information on one of the climbing forums)

Cliff Movement

Another view of the movement of concrete up at the north end of the bay.

The Coastguard is working with the local councils monitoring the situation. There are plans to remove this concrete but not at the moment due to is not being stable.

Our advice is to keep off the concrete.

We have also had reports of a large rock fall near to Anvil Point, we will be investigating that as soon as we can.

The Team

The Swanage Team, well almost - sadly Tom was on holiday and Kyle was on duty.

Austen on leave from overseas duties returned and collected his valedictory certificate.

Team Called to Durlston

This afternoons patrol were tasked to Durlston to search for two young females.

A member of the public had been approached by the pair and asked for directions to Durdle Door. Concerned for the pair, their clothing and the distance the call was made to Dorset Police who passed it to the Coastguard.

The team searched the immediate area but could not locate the pair, no one has been reported missing so the search has been suspended pending any further information.

Rather muddy up at Durlston we are told.

90 plus years service.

Last weekend saw the presentation of a 20 year long service medal to Steve Lacey.




So in height order - left to right.

Mark Rodaway OBE, Rescue Coordination Centre Manager Portland

Ian Brown Station Officer Swanage

Steve Lacey who has also received a military long service medal.

John Bentham who has completed 30 years service.

Washed up treasure

During the recent storms, various items have been washed up or discovered on beaches around the country.

From a rare dinosaur fossil to unexploded ordnance the coast has been giving up its history and in some cases dangerous past. The BBC reported these items so far.

Certain items washed up MUST be reported to the Coastguard and the Receiver of Wreck

If you are not sure what you have found, don't touch - dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. Recently items have been dug up taken home and the finder have second thoughts and caused the emergency services to evacuate homes.

Cliff update

North Beach Swanage yesterday, advice on land slides and cliff falls can be found on the Dorset For You website.

In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the COASTGUARD.

Heavy rain

Picture kindly sent in by Jackie Lane showing the steps at Sheps Hollow during recent heavy rain.

Stumped!

Readers may remember Roger assisted the Police the other day in moving a tree.

Well whilst the team were checking for flooding the other day they found a large pine tree blocking the road where it had been dumped.

Clearly not having "Rogers Rope" we were stumped moving it.




A light hearted moment in a busy week

Coastguard patrols will continue to check key areas of the town for flooding and land slips.

Are you on our wave length?

Released yesterday on the MCA Facebook page, some useful information on the dangers of the waves we have recently had.