A training exercise by Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team was interrupted three times by laser attacks.
The team were carrying out cliff training in the area of Kells on Wednesday, November 13.
It said a laser was pointed at a team vehicle on High Road at around 7pm.
The team added: “When our driver stopped momentarily to explain the hazard they were causing, the youths made off.
“A short while later, the team were on the cliffs establishing two rope rescue systems and conducting the final safety checks before deploying two rope rescue technicians down the cliff to safely rescue our dummy dog (Murphy) and casualty (Fred).
“Several members of the team were targeted again.
“Our officer In charge tried to speak with the youths to explain the danger they were causing, but was met with some unpleasantries before they made off again.
“They then returned for a third and final time to shine their laser at us.”
Nathan Major, station officer for the Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “Last night’s laser attack was both dangerous and highly irresponsible.
“Thankfully as we were conducting an exercise we could stop each time, but had this been a callout to assist a real life casualty, then this would certainly have delayed help from being provided.
“This could have been a much more serious situation, had we been working with air or waterborne assets. I would urge those responsible to listen to the advice of the one young person in their group heard repeatedly trying to stop this dangerous behaviour.”
