A MAJOR rescue operation was launched after a man fell down a cliff in Newquay in the early hours of Wednesday (June 4).

Newquay Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924, Cornwall Air Ambulance critical care team, Newquay lifeboats, Newquay and Padstow Coastguard search and rescue teams, police as well as ambulance attended the incident in the Barrowfield’s area shortly before 12.30am.

The D-Class lifeboat crew located the man in a small cove at the Tolcarne Beach area after spotting a light from his mobile phone.

The Newquay Coastguard team rigged for a technical rescue and descended to the casualty.

Clinical staff provided treatment. The casualty was stabilised before being airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called following a report of a man having fallen from cliffs in the Tolcarne Beach area of Newquay. Other emergency services also attended the scene.

“A man was located and taken to hospital having suffered serious injuries.

“His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.”

A spokesperson for Newquay RNLI Lifeboats added: “Newquay RNLI lifeboat volunteers were paged by Falmouth Coastguard.

“An immediate launch of both lifeboats was requested, and crew were tasked to locate a casualty needing medical assistance.

“The charity’s D class lifeboat was first to be launched, closely followed by the Atlantic 85. The crew from the Atlantic 85 were tasked to do a shoreline search from Tolcarne along to Lusty Glaze beach.

“Meanwhile the crew from the D-class located the casualty in a small cove after spotting a light from the persons mobile phone.

“The crew managed to get ashore to assess the casualty and then relay the location to Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team who were preparing to rig their kit for a technical rescue which involved a paramedic team member descending via rope down the cliff to the cove.

“The helm of the D-class requested additional assistance from Coastguard 924 helicopter and once on scene, an additional paramedic was winched onto the beach to assist in stabilising the casualty and making them secure before being airlifted and taken to hospital.

“Both lifeboats remained on standby in the bay until the casualty and coastguard personnel were confirmed safe.

“The crew of the lifeboats were stood down at 3.05am and returned to the station for a well-earned drink, meanwhile the volunteer shore crew refuelled and cleaned the lifeboats making them ready for service.Following the mandatory de-brief, crew eventually left the station around 4am. Another great example of a multi-agency rescue, working together in the early hours of the morning, showing the passion and drive of all volunteers involved.”

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard added: “The casualty was stabilised and packaged before being airlifted to hospital for further treatment.

“We wish them a speedy recovery.”