A MAJOR rescue operation was launched after a person fell near Bedruthan Steps on Saturday afternoon (July 26).

Members from HM Coastguard Padstow attended the scene at Diggory’s Beach and quickly established additional assets would be required at about 3.40pm.

Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team were also tasked.

The casualty being winched by the 924 helicopter (Picture: Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team) ( )

An immediate cliff set up was established and two cliff-techs were deployed to the casualty. They carried a cliff stretcher and additional kit with them. The Cornwall Air Ambulance arrived on scene and dropped a paramedic off on to the beach. The helicopter could not remain on the sand due to the rising tide so landed in a nearby field at the top of the cliff.

Around the same time, Newquay RNLI Lifeboats sent its D-class in to the beach and their crew also assisted with the casualty. Their other lifeboat boat provided safety cover behind the breaking waves.

The safest extrication method was deemed to be to request Coastguard Helicopter 924 to assist. The 924 helicopter swiftly arrived on scene and performed a high-hover whilst deploying a winch-person on to the beach, along with their rescue stretcher.

Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team at the scene ( )

The helicopter moved away slightly to avoid disturbing the scene too much with the downwash of their propellers. The casualty was safely packaged and the helicopter returned to scene.

The winch-person and the casualty were then winched up and transported to the same nearby field as the air ambulance.

Team members, helicopter crew and ambulance paramedics carried the casualty from the 924 helicopter, and assisted with the transfer on to the air ambulance, for onward transport to hospital. The cliff technicians and other emergency service personnel safely evacuated the beach.

A spokesperson for HM Padstow Coastguard said: “This is an important reminder that the stretch of beaches and coves in this area can be very difficult for emergency services to access.

“This rescue entailed the use of many assets and we were very lucky that they were all available at this time. Amazing multi-agency teamwork as always, thank you to all involved.”