Eleven members of the public and two members of staff were rescued from the Jurassic Skyline tower in Weymouth by coastguard helicopter.
Thirteen people have been winched to safety after becoming trapped up a 53m-high (174ft) viewing tower in Dorset.
Thirteen people stuck up 174ft Skyline Tower in Weymouth - BBC News
The rescue operation began after fire crews were called at about 16:15 BST and ascended the tower.
The helicopter arrived at around 19:30 BST, when other rescue options were ruled out due to bad weather.
It refuelled in Bournemouth at 21:00 BST, before returning to winch those who remained in the tower to safety.
The rescue was completed at about 22:10 and the helicopter was flown back to its base at Lee-on-the-Solent.
Dorset Fire and Rescue said: "Arrangements have been made to provide them with a safe place to rest and recover once returned to the ground."
The firefighters in the tower were getting themselves out of the building.
Interesting that the fire brigade can self rescue but can't get the public out?