Woman attempts to take photos of dolphins, then falls off the pier and is stranded at sea for 90 minutes

'She was in a dire situation and the crew undoubtedly saved her life'

The woman was attempting photograph a dolphin when she fell into the water. (Amber Trenberth / SWNS.com)

A woman who was stranded at sea for 90 minutes after she fell from a pier while trying to photograph dolphins, was rescued by lifeguards.

"She was in a dire situation and the crew undoubtedly saved her life," said Jolene Smith of HM Coastguard.

She added that the woman, who has not been named, was found clinging to a wall in the harbour near Berwick Pier on Sunday morning.

Warning others about potentially risking their lives for a good picture, Ms Smith said: "It's very easy to get wrapped up in taking the perfect photo, forgetting that you are in a hazardous environment."

The woman was rescued by the crew of the Gypsey Race dredger and subsequently taken by a lifeboat to be assessed by medical staff.

However, her rescue ship ran aground on sand and rocks and became stuck until the next high tide.

"As the summer comes to an end and opportunities arise to take more photos of spectacular weather conditions, please do be mindful of your own safety and don't take unnecessary risks,” Ms Smith said.