RNLI releases images of Newquay landslide rescue in challenging sea conditions

Sunday, 1 February 2026 13:59

The RNLI has released images showing the challenging rescue of people stranded following a landslide in Newquay at the weekend.

Lifeboat volunteers were paged after five people and two dogs became trapped following a large landslide above the Fly Cellars, close to Newquay harbour. The rescue took place in a rising and falling swell, which added to the complexity of the operation.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 3pm on Saturday, including Devon & Cornwall Police, Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team, Cornwall Fire & Rescue and Cormac.

Both of the RNLI’s lifeboats were launched, with the D class lifeboat heading immediately to the steps just off the Fly Cellars. On arrival, the volunteer crew checked that no one was injured and assessed how best to carry out the evacuation. Once the Atlantic class lifeboat arrived, the two crews worked together to plan the rescue.

The RNLI said that, due to the timing of the tide and the location of the casualties, there was a significant swell rising and falling against the rocks. A crew member from the Atlantic joined the D class crew and was transferred ashore to assist another crew member who had already been deployed.

With conditions constantly changing, the decision was made for the helm of the D class lifeboat to carefully land the bow of the boat on a flat rock on the rise of the swell. This allowed each casualty to be assisted aboard the lifeboat one at a time.

RNLI Newquay – Helmet Cam footage

The first two casualties were transferred to the Atlantic lifeboat and taken back to the safety of the harbour, before the crew returned to continue the operation. After all five people and two dogs had been evacuated, they were brought to the lifeboat station, where they were offered hot drinks and water for the dogs, checked for injuries and given advice by a trained paramedic crew member.

Matt Robins, D class helm, said that while sea conditions were not particularly rough, the location made the rescue difficult. He said the rising and falling swell against the rocks meant crews had to communicate closely, warning that even a minor slip could have resulted in someone falling into the water.

After the casualties had left the station, equipment was cleaned and made ready for service, followed by a full debrief. All personnel were thanked for completing the rescue, with crews leaving the station at around 5:15pm.

A spokesperson for the Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team said the affected section of coast path remains impassable and urged members of the public to avoid the area for the time being.

Previous image Next image

5 of 9

Previous image Next image

More Galleries

Newquay Fire Station Open Day 2026

Two fire appliances left the station on Tregunnel Hill following reports of an incident at a derelict hotel in Newquay. The incident was found to be a false alarm, but the callout gave visitors a real-life demonstration of the crew’s rapid response and t

RNLI Lifeboat Day 2026 at Newquay Harbour. Photos by Michelle Johnson

Cliff Fall Newquay Coastpath - Saturday 31.1.26

Credit: Newquay Coastguard Search & Rescue

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Growing opposition to Cornwall’s streets going dark after midnight

Cornwall Council has been asked to hold a “county level vote” on its decision to turn streetlights off across the Duchy between midnight and 5am.
Newquay family launches £50,000 appeal to adapt home for four-year-old Jude

A Newquay family is hoping to raise £50,000 to adapt its home for a four-year-old boy living with a rare progressive muscle degeneration condition.
Free community fete to be held in Treloggan

A free community fete featuring local stalls, family activities and live music is being held in Treloggan this September.
St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally promises three days of family entertainment

Steam engines, vintage vehicles, live music and family activities will be among the attractions at this year's St Mawgan Steam and Vintage Rally.
Newquay world record surfing attempt postponed

An attempt to break the world record for the most surfers riding a single wave in Newquay has been postponed until the October half-term.
Campaigners fear Glendorgal could change before rights inquiry concludes

An application concerning access to the path around Glendorgal Headland will be the next to be allocated to a case officer, Cornwall Council has said.
‘Wind your necks in’ councillors told over Reform UK resignations

It’s been an increasingly regular agenda item at Cornwall Council meetings – the allocation of seats on committees having to be re-decided after councillors jump ship from one political group to another.
Charity relay to celebrate Newquay coach’s 20 years of helping runners

A one-mile relay race will raise money for local charities while celebrating a Newquay coach who has spent 20 years helping people of all abilities take up running.
Price hat-trick leads Newquay sporting weekend

Louis Price scored a perfect hat-trick as Newquay AFC reached the next round of the FA Vase, while there were also wins for Newquay Reserves and St Columb Major, a team podium for Newquay Running Club's runners and success at Newquay Golf Club’s RNLI fundraisers.
Record 150 teams compete in Crantock Bale Push

A record 150 teams took part in the 26th Crantock Bale Push, with competitors travelling from as far as Italy and Scotland.
Controversial seafront development is now ‘undeliverable’

A huge development on Newquay seafront has been abandoned as “undeliverable”, meaning an old hotel will now be demolished with no promise that anything will replace it.
Disposable barbecues could be banned on beaches

Cornwall Council is considering a ban on the use of disposable barbecues on beaches following this summer’s spate of wildfires.
Newquay theatre production to honour late actress Penelope Keith

The Director of a new production at Newquay's Lane Theatre say she wants to perform the show in honour of the late actress Penelope Keith.
Cornwall needs a ‘fairer, honest’ housing waiting list

Cornwall Council members will be asked next week to support a fairer, clearer and honest housing waiting list to give applicants “the truth about their situation” within a system that is currently “opaque and difficult to navigate”.
New plans could pave way for demolition of derelict Narrowcliff buildings

Plans for a temporary use of the stalled Narrowcliff development in Newquay are set to be presented to senior planning officers, in a move which could allow the derelict buildings to be demolished.
Help find a cat a home

RSPCA Cornwall says it urgently needs to find homes for cats and kittens after being inundated with animals needing its help.
Free hedgehog talks offered to youth groups in Newquay area

Youth groups in and around Newquay are being offered free educational sessions about hedgehogs and wildlife conservation.
Earthwave organisers urge Newquay to get behind surfing world record attempt

Audio

Organisers of a surfing world record attempt in Newquay say they want as many people as possible to get involved when the event takes place later this month.
Newquay AFC continue strong start as national surfing titles decided at Watergate Bay

Newquay AFC and their reserves have both recorded victories, while St Newlyn East staged a cup comeback and some of England's leading surfers battled for national titles at Watergate Bay.
Double title for Reggie Roynon as national surfing champions crowned at Watergate Bay

National surfing champions have been crowned after a day of challenging conditions at Watergate Bay.

Now Playing

RNLI releases images of Newquay landslide rescue in challenging sea conditions

Share

Share

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Now Playing