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Chilling rescue of eight campers stranded when tide swallowed beach in wild Perth storm

Brooke RolfeThe West Australian
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The group of eight people and their dog had to be rescued after a wild storm left them stranded on the beach in Lake Clifton.
Camera IconThe group of eight people and their dog had to be rescued after a wild storm left them stranded on the beach in Lake Clifton. Credit: The West Australian & WA Police

Chilling footage has shown the dramatic moment eight people and a dog had to be airlifted off a WA beach after wild storms cut off access to the exit, leaving the group stranded.

The group, in their 20s, were without food, water and fuel when their day took a distressing turn on a beach in Lake Clifton, about 110km south of Perth, on Sunday at about mid day.

The group of eight campers called for assistance after realising the storm had blocked off their only exit.
Camera IconThe group of eight campers called for assistance after realising the storm had blocked off their only exit. Credit: WA Police

As rising tides swallowed the beach they drove in on, the campers made a desperate call to emergency services for help.

Video shared by WA Police on Thursday showed blistering conditions as the chopper touched down.

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The tide remained rough and choppy as the police aircraft approached the convoy.
Camera IconThe tide remained rough and choppy as the police aircraft approached the convoy. Credit: WA Police

The dog was shown being secured in a specialised bag for the journey.

The dog next to the specialised bag, which was used to rescue the pooch.
Camera IconThe dog next to the specialised bag, which was used to rescue the pooch. Credit: WA Police
The dog inside the specialised rescue bag.
Camera IconThe dog inside the specialised rescue bag. Credit: WA Police

One of two high‑performance choppers operated by WA Police, the Airbus H145, was deployed from Jandakot and executed three flights to save the group.

The Police Air Wing helicopter was pushed to its maximum upper limits during the rescue effort, with the aircraft facing wind speeds in excess of 90km/hr, or 50 knots.

The chopper was pushed to its limits but safely landed on the beach.
Camera IconThe chopper was pushed to its limits but safely landed on the beach. Credit: WA Police
One of the campers boarding the police chopper, ready to be brought to safety.
Camera IconOne of the campers boarding the police chopper, ready to be brought to safety. Credit: WA Police

Police said the challenging conditions put both the aircraft and crew to the test.

No one was injured.

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