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.

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