This was the heart-stopping moment two walkers in Porthleven came within inches from disaster on Monday after becoming engulfed in a giant wave.

The pair, who the Packet has learnt may have been accompanied by a dog, clearly misjudged the severity of the situation and were lucky not to have been swept into the churning icy water below.

It happened as the port was facing the full force of Storm Imogen, as it was named by the Met Office.

Hurricane-force gusts of wind blew the sea into a raging tempest, flinging waves over the harbour wall and into the iconic clock tower.

Those watching from below faced an unavoidable drenching, and this pair were fortunate to stay on their feet under the weight of the water and the power of the receding tide.

Photographer Colin Paul, who captured the incredible image, told the Packet: "I don't know whether they were unlucky or got caught. I don't think they were definitely trying to stand in the waves.

"But they certainly haven't followed coastguard advice. You can see the waves crashing and it was a fairly dangerous looking place.

"If you don't know the sea, most people think it's safer than it is. It's a pretty powerful thing."

The Redruth-based photographer had rushed to the port, along with many other wave watchers and keen photographers, to capture dramatic images of the waves for his collection.

With his camera poised, from a safe place the other side of the harbour, Mr Paul watched as the walkers rounded the corner of the institute building, just as a particularly large wave came crashing down.

He added: "I was asked by someone if I'd like to comment on their 'stupidity', but you can't really because they may not have been deliberately stupid and may have been unlucky, stopping in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Others have been less charitable on Facebook, however, where the photograph has been shared a large number of times.

Kim Tozer wrote: "Not the first time we've seen people being idiots there."

Wendy Adams James agreed: "Lived in Porthleven my whole life and seen some crazy and stupid risks people take, but this just beats the lot. Unbelievable."

Someone later commented, however, that it was two holidaymakers walking their dog who got caught by surprise.

Is is thought the incident took place just minutes before coastguards arrived to close off the road.

A coastguard spokesperson said they did not wish to comment on an individual case on this occasion, but repeated the safety warnings given out to people wanting to witness the power of the weather.

She said: "We always advise people to check the weather and tidal conditions before they set out so that they can either prepare accordingly or consider whether they should be going out at all.

"At sea, changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other. Tidal heights may hide underwater hazards."

Walkers should consider whether they could become cut off by the incoming tide, she added.

"However dramatic the storm looks don’t be tempted to take pictures by putting yourself at risk. A dramatic photograph or a selfie is not worth risking your life for," she concluded.