A MAJOR rescue operation was launched on Tuesday evening after two people became cut off by the tide at Tresaith.

Cut off by the incoming tide The couple were forced to climb up rocks to get to safety, said a Coastguard spokesperson.

Coastguards received an emergency call from the pair, who were clinging to the rock face, at 6.15pm on Tuesday, April 5.

Newquay rescue team and Gwbert Coastguard rescue team were despatched to the scene and Cardigan RNLI launched both its lifeboats - the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat Albatross and D-Class Elsie Ida Mead - at 6.30pm.

The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter Rescue 187 based in St Athan was also sent to the incident and one of its crew was landed onto the Atlantic 85 lifeboat to help give medical assistance to the couple following their transfer to the Albatross.

The lifeboat travelled to Aberporth beach were crowds had gathered to watch the helicopter land at 7.10pm and where two ambulance crews were waiting to assess the medical condition of the couple.

The female was given a precautionary check-up but did not require hospital treatment.

The lifeboats returned to station at 8pm.

Cliff Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cardigan RNLI, said: "We would advise anyone walking on the coast to always check the tide times before venturing out and plan your trip accordingly.

"Seeking advice on safe places to walk is also a good idea and make sure you inform friends or family when to expect you home.

"Also walkers should always take a mobile phone or other means of communication with them and dial 999 to ask for the Coastguard if they need help."