Two rescued from cliff in Padstow
Coastguard teams worked together effectively to conduct a rope rescue
Last updated 28th May 2026
Two individuals were successfully rescued from a cliff near Pentire Point, Bedruthan, during a Coastguard training session.
The rescue operation occurred on 26th May when the HM Coastguard Padstow team was tasked with assisting two people stuck approximately 80 feet up a 180-foot cliff face.
The casualties had attempted to climb the cliff but found themselves unable to proceed up or down.
The alert brought together several emergency teams, including Polzeath Coastguard, Newquay Coastguard Search & Rescue Team, and Coastguard Rescue Officer S11B.
Due to the precarious position of the individuals, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 was requested to assess the situation from the air, while Padstow Lifeboat provided safety cover from the sea.
However, the helicopter's approach was deemed unsafe due to the risk of rockfall, leading the teams to focus on a rope rescue strategy.
Once Newquay CRT arrived, a second rope rescue setup was established. Cliff technicians from both Padstow and Newquay worked together to secure the casualties into the rope rescue system.
After assessing the casualties for injuries, both were safely lowered, along with the technicians, to the beach below.
Rescue Helicopter 924 then winched them into the safety of their cab.
Upon returning to the cliff top, safety advice was given to the individuals, who then returned to their vehicle.
HM Coastguard Padstow praised the multiagency collaboration involved in the rescue and reminded the public to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they see someone in difficulty near the coast.