Section of White Cliffs of Dover collapses

A section of the UK’s White Cliffs of Dover has collapsed; making this the second year running

13:25 26 March 2013

Tonnes of chalk from White Cliffs of Dover, which is one of the most iconic symbols of British independence, has collapsed into the English Channel. A big mound of chalk can be seen on the shore as part of the cliff-face sheared off near St. Margaret’s Bay.

According to Dover Coastguards, fencing and a bench which sat on the cliff-top also came crashing down with the chalk prompting warning to coastal walkers.

It is believed that the collapse was the result of high winds and rain freezing that was absorbed into the chalk causing the cliff to weaken. The same scenario happened in March last year.

A Dover Coastguard spokesman said: “There was a similar fall in 2012 but this one is smaller than that one. A bench and fence have gone down with it.

 

“The cliff-fall extends about 150 yards from the base of the cliff towards the sea at ground level, and the fall is about 15ft to 20ft high.”

 

No one was hurt in the incident.