Pictures of Seven Sisters rescue after being cut off by tide

Emergency crews, including a coastguard helicopter, were called to the beauty spot after a fifth member of the group managed to make it to shore and raise the alarm.

The group had been walking along the beach on Saturday afternoon when they were caught by the tide, huddling in a chalky cove with only two metres of dry space to stand on.

Pictures released by the RNLI show the group as they awaited rescue and were dramatically winched to safety.

The four people were winched to safety by coastguard crews (Image: RNLI/Newhaven)

John Simcock, who was the navigator for the mission from Newhaven RNLI, said: “The casualties were very distressed by their situation and for the safety of the fifth member of their group who had swum in.

“We were able to give them reassurance that the other person was well and provide some comfort whilst the best rescue procedure was decided.

“It was a very inhospitable environment to be in and the group remained extremely exposed and vulnerable below the cliff.”

Volunteer crews assisted on the ground with the helicopter rescue, which took around one hour and 45 minutes.

Coxswain Lewis Arnold urged people walking along the coast to be cautious before they set off.

He said: “Tides rise quickly and can easily catch people out. If you’re planning a coastal walk or seaside activity, we strongly urge people to check the weather and tides before setting out.

“If you do get into difficulty or see anyone else in trouble in the water, please call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.”

Newhaven RNLI will feature on the BBC show Saving Lives At Sea this evening after a dog fell over 100 feet from the cliffs in Seaford.

Max, a border collie, landed in the sea after falling off the edge of a cliff. A lifeboat rescue team scrambled ashore and used treats to lure him into a lifeboat to return to shore.

The show, which will include footage from the remarkable rescue, will be broadcast at 8pm tonight on BBC Two.