A dramatic cliff collapse at Penarth beach on Friday, July 10, sent a large cloud of dust near sunbathers, sparking shock among beachgoers. The incident occurred at around 4.30pm between Penarth beach and the Cardiff Bay Barrage.
Witness Describes 'Truly Amazing' Escape
David Wilton, who was at the beach at the time, described the scene: 'Lots of us were down that side of Penarth beach as it was a very hot Friday after work and it was high tide. There were lots of teens a bit further down towards where the slide was who looked to be away from all the adults.' He added, 'We then heard a rumble and then saw a small slide – we all knew what it was. There was a big cloud of dust.'
Wilton expressed relief that no one was injured, saying, 'It's truly amazing that people were not as there were sunbathers either side of the landslide. People just stood and stared as it's rare to actually see one, especially at a busy time.'
Council Issues Strong Warning
Vale of Glamorgan council confirmed the landslip and issued a warning strongly advising the public to stay away. A council spokesperson said, 'This stretch of coastline has a well-documented history of cliff instability, landslides, and rockfalls, particularly following prolonged weather events and coastal erosion.'
The council teams are assessing the extent of the landslip and will take necessary action to ensure public safety. The spokesperson added, 'The public is strongly advised to stay away from the affected area and, as a precaution, keep clear of all cliff faces and the areas directly beneath them as landslides and rockfalls can occur without warning.'
Historical Instability and Safety Precautions
The council emphasised that residents and visitors should continue to follow all warning signs, barriers, and safety notices when enjoying coastal paths and beaches. 'We are continuing to monitor the situation and will share further updates as they become available,' the spokesperson said.
The collapse underscores the ongoing risks along this section of coastline, which has a history of instability. Beachgoers are urged to remain vigilant, especially during busy periods.
