This is the heart-stopping moment a towering cliff on Dorset's iconic Jurassic Coast gave way, sending an estimated 500 tonnes of sandstone rock crashing onto the beach below in a massive cloud of dust. The dramatic rockfall at West Bay, a location made famous by the ITV crime drama Broadchurch, unfolded just metres away from beachgoers, with two individuals momentarily disappearing from view in the golden plume.
The Dramatic Moment of Collapse
Footage captured by an alert witness shows the 150-foot cliff face suddenly crumbling after emitting what was described as a couple of warning "puffs" of dust. The collapse caused a thick, churning cloud to erupt across the sand as debris rained down. Remarkably, onlookers appeared initially unbothered, but the scale of the event soon became clear as the dust settled to reveal a new 30-foot high mound of rock, effectively cutting off a section of the beach.
"It was scary because there were many people on the beach," said the witness who recorded the incident. The coastguard was swiftly called to the scene to conduct checks and ensure no one was trapped beneath the rubble. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the event, which was witnessed by around 20 people.
A History of Instability on the Jurassic Coast
The golden cliffs at West Bay, which featured prominently throughout the Broadchurch series starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, are no strangers to such events. Rockfalls are common along this stretch of the World Heritage Coast, primarily due to natural weathering processes. Heavy rainfall seeps into the porous sandstone, gradually weakening the rock structure over time until sections break away.
This incident is the latest in a series. Earlier in the same month, beachgoers had to run for safety when another part of the cliff at West Bay collapsed without warning. Furthermore, in December 2024, a huge 120-foot-wide section of the cliff fell overnight, bringing hundreds of tonnes of material down.
Urgent Safety Warnings from Authorities
In response to the ongoing risk, Dorset Council has issued renewed and urgent safety advice for visitors to the Jurassic Coast and other coastal areas. A council spokesperson emphasised: "Rockfalls and landslips can happen at any time. If you are out on the coast, please stay safe by taking notice of warning signs and keep to existing paths. Stay away from the edge and the base of cliffs."
The council also notes that these geological movements are a natural part of what shapes the unique and ever-changing nature of the Jurassic Coastline. While a spectacular sight, they serve as a potent reminder of the raw power of coastal erosion and the critical importance of heeding safety guidance.
