TWO engineers who got stranded on a gantry on the Second Severn Crossing were rescued by crew from the Severn Area Rescue Association.

The low tide on Wednesday (December 6) meant that SARA’s smaller craft, SARA3 Swift and Bold was launched from Beachley.

Once help was on its way, the two engineers abseiled down to the English Stones rocks and walked across them to meet the lifeboat before the area was covered by the tide.

Bridge staff are trained in this escape technique but it is the first time since the bridge opened in 1996 that a travelling platform – or rapid access train – has broken down.

A spokesman for Severn River Crossing (SRC) said “It was a planned evacuation method and all staff are trained to perform this escape protocol.

“It is the first time in its history that the rapid access train has broken down and was safety managed at all times.

“SRC is very appreciate of the rapid and professional response of SARA.”