Scottish family with young child make 'lucky escape' after high tide traps them in coastal cave

A Scottish family has made a lucky escape after getting stuck in a cave at high tide during a coastal walk.

HM Coastguard were called to rescue the two adults and their young child at around 11:30am on Saturday, after the family were cut off by the incoming tide at Southwick Water, in Dumfries & Galloway.

As the family retreated into a cave, the water level continued to rise, eventually reaching their waists.

Portling and Annan Coastguard Rescue Teams, along with Kippford RNLI and Nith Inshore Rescue, were all dispatched to the scene.

The family were rescued by a Kippford lifeboat and taken to the shore.

Officials confirmed that, although cold and shocked, the family did not require medical treatment.

Graham Edgar, Senior Maritime Operations Officer for HM Coastguard, said: “The family were extremely lucky, the tide can change quickly and you can easily get caught out if you’re not prepared.”

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