Shocking Moment Cliff Collapses Onto Beach in Front of Startled Sunbathers in Dorset
Cliff collapses onto beach in front of startled sunbathers

Sunbathers on a picturesque Dorset beach were sent scrambling for their lives in a heart-stopping moment as a massive section of cliff face suddenly gave way and crashed onto the shore.

The dramatic landslide was captured on camera at Seatown Beach, near Bridport, a popular spot on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Startling footage shows a huge chunk of the cliff shearing off without warning, sending a cloud of dust and debris billowing across the beach.

Onlookers can be heard gasping and shouting in alarm as the cliff collapses mere metres away from where people were relaxing. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the ever-present danger of coastal erosion along Britain's coastline.

A Terrifying Near-Miss

Eyewitnesses described the sheer power and speed of the collapse. "It was absolutely terrifying," said one visitor. "One moment everything was calm, the next there was this enormous roar and the cliff just fell away. People were grabbing their things and running. It makes you realise how powerful nature is.">

Fortunately, despite the proximity of the fall to sunbathers, no injuries were reported. The area directly beneath the collapse had been cordoned off as a safety precaution, a move that likely prevented a tragedy.

The Constant Threat of Erosion

This event highlights the ongoing and accelerating issue of coastal erosion along the Jurassic Coast. The cliffs, while stunningly beautiful, are composed of soft clays and shale, making them highly susceptible to weathering from rain and wave action.

Geologists and local authorities consistently warn the public to stay well away from the base of cliffs, heed all warning signs, and never ignore safety tape. Cliff falls can happen suddenly and without any obvious warning, especially after periods of wet weather which saturates the ground.

This recent collapse at Seatown is a stark reminder that the UK's coastline is constantly changing and can be extremely dangerous. Visitors are urged to always check safety notices before visiting beaches and to remain vigilant of their surroundings.