Casualty airlifted from remote beach in major coastal rescue operation

A multi-agency rescue effort was launched on Saturday afternoon after a person fell at a remote beach along the north Cornwall coast.

Emergency services were called to Diggory’s Beach, just beyond Bedruthan Steps, at around 3.40pm. Padstow and Newquay Coastguard teams, including two cliff technicians, were sent to assist.

Padstow Coastguard said some volunteers were positioned near the bottom of the path to the beach, but the route is “seriously eroded” and could only be accessed safely with ropes.

A paramedic from Cornwall Air Ambulance was deployed directly onto the sand. However, due to the rising tide, the helicopter was unable to stay on the beach and landed in a nearby field at the top of the cliff.

Newquay RNLI launched their D-class lifeboat to the beach and crew members assisted with the casualty. Their larger lifeboat remained offshore to provide safety cover.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 was then called in to carry out the extraction. A spokesperson said: “The helicopter swiftly arrived on scene and performed a high-hover whilst deploying a winch-person on to the beach, along with their rescue stretcher. The helicopter then moved away slightly to avoid disturbing the scene too much with the downwash of their propellers.”

The casualty was secured and winched up alongside the Coastguard crew member. They were flown to the same field where the Air Ambulance had landed and transferred into the helicopter for transport to hospital.

The remaining emergency service personnel and cliff technicians then safely evacuated the beach.

Padstow Coastguard added: “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.

“If you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”