Massive chunk of Sussex cliff teeters on brink of collapse as giant crack opens up after heavy rain

A massive crack has opened up in the chalk cliffs of West Sussex after torrential rain, with walkers and selfie-snappers warned to stay away. 

The Coastguard has issued a safety warning after the dangerous cliff crack opened up on Sunday evening at Seaford Head.  

The gulf in the world famous 500 foot chalk cliffs has been cordoned off and the council has been informed.

A coastguard spokesperson said: ‘We want people to enjoy themselves on the coast by making sure their visit is one to remember and not one they’d rather forget.

‘It’s a well-known fact that the cliffs along the UK coastline are continually eroding, with pieces falling from them that can be just a few small rocks or as large as a car. It’s impossible to predict when the next piece might fall or how big it will be.

‘Periods of intense rainfall followed by dryer warmer weather will often make cliff edges more vulnerable. We’ve seen a number of cliff collapses around the UK coastline in recent months. It’s very clear that cliffs are very unstable in places and we really can’t stress enough how important it is to keep back from the edge. There is no ‘safe’ place to be.

 

Cracks have been reported along the Sussex coastline for many years. 

A prominent crack appearedin the cliffs near the Seaford Head Golf Course three years ago.

The Maritime Commander Mark Rodway OB was forced to issue a statement at the time urging selfie-snappers to stay away from the crack and not risk their life for ‘dramatic photos’.

He added: ‘no selfie is worth risking your life for’. 

In a statement made by Mr Rodway in 2017, he said: ‘It’s impossible to predict when the next piece might fall or how big it will be.

‘It’s very clear that cliffs are unstable in places and we really can’t stress enough how important it is to keep back from the edge. 

‘There is no ‘safe’ place to be.’

Warning people to stay away from the edge and beachgoers to be wary of the dangerous cliff when passing below, he said everyone should stay at least the height of the cliff away. 

He said: ‘We are warning beach goers and coastal walkers to exercise caution in the Seaford cliffs area and keep away from the areas that have now been cordoned off. 

‘The cliffs along the UK coastline are continually eroding and we’ve seen a number of cliff collapses in recent months at Seaford. 

‘When standing at the bottom of the cliff, we would always advise people that they shouldn’t stand less than the height of the cliff away. 

Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team have investigated the crack and Seaford Council were also informed. 

Safety barriers have been erected long the coastal path for the public’s protection. 

Walkers are being urged to steer clear of the unstable area.