THIS dramatic picture shows a couple who were cut off by the tide on the west Dorset coast.

In a repeat of an incident just a few day previous when a family were rescued from the same area, coastguards were alerted after people out walking near Charmouth became stuck with the sea closing in on them.

A concerned member of staff at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre had spotted the couple in danger and dialled 999.

Lyme Regis lifeboat was launched to get as close to the couple as possible, so rescuers could make an assessment of the situation.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Coastguard said: “The RNLI managed to get a crew member ashore to stay with the casualties and prevent them from endangering themselves further by crossing the recent treacherous mudslides.

“The Coastguard helicopter safely winched the two casualties and the RNLI crew member to safety.”

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre said on social media: “Another day of half term, another coastguard and lifeboat callout. This time, a couple cut off by the incoming tide on Charmouth East Beach, exactly where a family got stuck only two days ago. Please, please, please, if you are visiting our beaches, be mindful of the tides and go out walking during safe times, which we display in the centre and publish on the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre every day. If in doubt, ask for advice before heading out and stay safe.”

Also on Tuesday, a man had to be rescued after he became stuck in mud on a cliff west of Seatown.

The man,aged 49, became stuck 20 feet up the cliff and had to be freed by firefighters.

He was then treated by the ambulance service.

West Bay Coastguard were called to back-up a team from Lyme Regis, who were responding to the incident.

Dorset Fire & Rescue and South Western Ambulance Service along with their Hazardous Area Response team (HART) also responded.

West Bay Coastguard have issued advice following the incident.

They say: “Do not put yourself at risk by climbing cliffs or investigating muddy areas as you could easily become stuck. If you do become stuck, remain calm and keep as still as you can. Don’t struggle as this could make the situation worse. Spread your weight as much as possible and discourage others from attempting to rescue you. Alert the Coastguard who will send a specially trained rescue team. If you find yourself in difficulty or if you see something which gives you cause for concern, do not hesitate… Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”