THE Coastguard winched two people to safety after they became cut off by the tide during the hurricane Erin swell.

The pair had been walking on Towan Beach when they became stranded by the surging stormy spring tide on Tuesday, August 26 at about 7.30pm. They managed to climb onto a ledge but needed rescuing due to the storm surges at high tide.

The image shows where the people were stranded (Picture: Padstow Coastguard)
The image shows where the people were stranded (Picture: Padstow Coastguard) (The image shows where the people were stranded (Picture: Padstow Coastguard))

Newquay and Padstow Coastguard teams set up a technical rope rescue on the cliffs near the Killacourt.

A rope technician was lowered down and both people were successfully rescued one at a time and retrieved to the top of the cliff unharmed.

Hurricane Erin waves surged up the cliff face (Picture: Padstow Coastguard)
Hurricane Erin waves surged up the cliff face (Picture: Padstow Coastguard) (Hurricane Erin waves surged up the cliff face (Picture: Padstow Coastguard))

A spokesperson for Padstow Coastguard said: “Two people were exploring the beach and got cut off by the surging stormy spring tide. They were safely on a ledge but needed recovering in case any more unexpected surges occurred.

“The teams carefully identified the safest part of the cliff to rig for recovery. An indirect rope rescue system was put in place and a CRO Tech was deployed over the cliff. Two rotations were carried out, bringing one casualty at a time back up the cliff to a place of safety.

“The casualties didn’t require any medical intervention. Safety advice was offered to the casualties and their families.

“The rope rescue system was then taken down and all kit restowed ready for the next tasking.

“Teams were stood down and returned to base around 10pm.”