A MAJOR rescue operation at sea has taken place after a man fell from treacherous cliffs off the Dorset coast.

Both Swanage lifeboats, coastguards and paramedics were called after a small group of kayakers near Old Harry Rocks, Purbeck, witnessed a person falling from the clifftop into the water.

The incident, which took place yesterday afternoon, also saw assistance requested from the air ambulance.

Dorset Echo: Swanage RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew arriving on scene Picture: RNLISwanage RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew arriving on scene Picture: RNLI

Pictures shared by the RNLI show the dramatic rescue unfold.

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The inshore lifeboat (ILB) was first at the scene and found the casualty had been brought ashore by the kayakers.

The casualty was conscious but was treated for suspected internal injuries having fallen such a significant distance.

Dorset Echo: Preparations to transfer the casualty to the lifeboat Picture: RNLIPreparations to transfer the casualty to the lifeboat Picture: RNLI

Meanwhile equipment and two extra crew were brought ashore by the ILB from the all-weather lifeboat.

Dorset Echo: Stretcher being delivered to the cove to enable transfer of the casualty Picture: RNLIStretcher being delivered to the cove to enable transfer of the casualty Picture: RNLI

Swanage lifeboat helm Becky Mack said: "The kayakers and a boat near to the scene were waving at us to indicate the casualty's location.

"We immediately went ashore and carried out an assessment of the casualty and made plans to evacuate them.

"The casualty was really fortunate that the kayakers were close by and that they were able to help so quickly."

The volunteer lifeboat crew worked with the kayakers to prepare the person to be evacuated from the shore to the all-weather lifeboat for onward transfer.

The casualty was taken to a waiting ambulance at Swanage Lifeboat Station within 40 minutes of the callout.

Dorset Echo: Casualty transfer from lifeboat crew to waiting paramedics Picture: Lucy AggasCasualty transfer from lifeboat crew to waiting paramedics Picture: Lucy Aggas

The multi-agency rescue enabled the casualty to be quickly and safely recovered to land from a hard to access location.

"Many people are out exploring our beautiful coastline, and we urge everyone to stay a safe distance away from the cliff edges," an RNLI spokesperson said.

For tips on how to stay safe around the coast visit rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/coastal-walking