LYME: Storm watchers branded 'idiots' (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

LYME: Storm watchers branded 'idiots'

10:30am Thursday 19th November 2009

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STORM watchers risked their lives as giant waves crashed over Lyme Regis Cobb during Saturday’s gales.

Horrified locals say people continue to take ‘crazy risks’ by walking on the sea walls in near hurricane-force winds at high tide.

And harbour officials yesterday reiterated their warning for people to stay away from the area when the seas are rough.

Cobb fishmonger Simon Bennett said despite warning signs people persisted in dodging the massive waves.

He said: “Since I have been here we have seen a plethora of idiots on the walls – it is not something that seems to stop. They seem not to be aware of how big and powerful mother nature can be.

“It was certainly a very dramatic weekend and we are really lucky to live in a beautiful place like Lyme Regis where people come to see the storms – but they need to keep safe.”

Mr Bennett says signs do not deter the wave watchers.

He also reckons the district council should appoint a harbour official to warn of the dangers when winds reach a certain strength. Maybe they could pay the harbourmaster a little more to do that during the winter months,” he said.

“Having a person tell people to stay away from the danger areas is much better than relying on signs.”

Calls to stop people getting too close for comfort were echoed by Bridport photographer Nicola Dennis this week.

She was at the Cobb on Saturday taking shots on a long lens from a safe distance when she captured the moment one snapper got a drenching as he tried for the perfect picture.

She said: “I noticed him come around the front of the lifeboat station onto the pebbles.

“Most of us were standing up by the yachts but he was photographing down near the steps at the end of the wall.

“A huge wave came up the beach and he appeared to be waist high in water trying to save his camera. When the wave receded he looked around rather sheepishly to see if anyone had seen him and then continued to take pictures.

“I have no idea who he was, I was there because the waves were spectacular and I rent a space in Studio 19 as an artist. I live in Bridport and often wonder why people have to get so close when enjoying such sights – they always blame a ‘freak’ wave when something goes wrong.”

n A harbour official yesterday stressed the man in the picture was not as deep in the water as the photo made it appear. Foam on the shingle bank in front of him appeared to show him up to his waste when, in fact, he was probably only in water up to his ankles, they said. But they say it was still too close for safety.

West Dorset District Council technical services manager Steve Woollard added: “We always welcome visitors to the Cobb at Lyme Regis, however when the weather conditions are bad we advise people to avoid the area.”

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