Major rescue of two people trapped on cliffs

Two people have been rescued after becoming trapped on cliffs near Bedruthan on Tuesday evening.

Coastguard volunteers from Newquay were called at around 7:30pm alongside Padstow RNLI Lifeboat, Polzeath Coastguard and Rescue Helicopter 924 to assist with the incident near Pentire Steps.

HM Coastguard said the two casualties had become stuck halfway up the cliff.

Due to their location and the presence of loose rock and slate, a helicopter winch rescue was not possible.

Instead, two technical rope rescue systems were set up, allowing rope rescue technicians to be lowered down to the casualties while Padstow Lifeboat stood by offshore.

After being assessed for injuries and secured, both casualties were individually lowered to the beach below alongside the rescue technicians.

Picture Credit: Newquay Coastguard

Rescue Helicopter 924 then winched the casualties and technicians into the aircraft before flying them back to Newquay Airport.

The casualties were later returned to their transport for what coastguards described as a “safe onward journey home”.

Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team said crews returned to base at 23:45 BST.

The service reminded people to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard if they see anyone in difficulty along the coast.