Climbers hurt in cliff fall
The casualties, aged 20 and 42 and from Exeter, fell on a rocky pinnacle at Ansteys Cove.
A party of five were checking for new climbs for an Exeter-based adventure company when the accident happened.
The 42-year-old slipped and broke his leg.
Two others then jumped down to him, with one man in his 20s dislocating his knee in the process.
Both casualties remained on a rock platform while two others from the group swam across the Bay at Ansteys Cove to raise the alarm.
Brixham coastguard scrambled the coastguard rescue helicopter from Portland, and the Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team were also sent to the area.
The coastguard helicopter raced across Lyme Bay from Portland to lift the injured pair off Long Quarry Point and drop them off at Torquay Boys' Grammar School where ambulances ferried them a short distance to Torbay Hospital for treatment.
Among those quickly at the scene was coastguard rescue team station officer Steve Perrett and his colleagues.
"It was a tricky manoeuvre to get the parties off safely," said Mr Perrett.
He said the exact cause of the accident was not yet known, although it was 'very unusual' for two climbers to be injured at the same time.
The climbers had been carrying out a reconnaissance for the hobby of 'coasteering' which involves scrambling across rocks 10ft from the shore base.
"We just kept in touch with the rescuers and maintained observations," said Mr Perrett.
Dog walker Steve Dart witnessed the rescue.
He said: "We saw the helicopter lift off with the second man.
"It looks like they were climbing on the pinnacle when it happened.
"The climbers were very distressed but they did a wonderful job."
Roger Davies, watch manager at Brixham Coastguard said: "Unfortunately we did not know that this group was on the rocks at the time in such a precarious position and in cold weather.
"Our advice is to keep the coastguard informed at all times if carrying out such exercises. Fortunately our rescue units were very promptly on scene."
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