St Agnes RNLI respond to multi-agency rescue of surfers at Porthtowan

Drustan Ward, an off duty RNLI lifeguard was one of those on the scene who initially raised the alarm. He says;

‘The surf was about 4-5 foot and a strong south westerly cross shore wind that had driven the surfer into the north corner at Porthtowan, a really difficult area. It appeared that unable to get out of the breaking waves, they had clambered out onto the rocks at the base of the cliffs. I could see that they were both getting washed back into the sea as the larger sets rolled in and were in real danger.’

Drustan, along with multiple eyewitnesses made calls to Falmouth Coastguard and the volunteer crew at St Agnes launched through dumping surf to join the Coastguard Helicopter, Porthtowan cliff rescue team and the police in the rescue operation.

Due to their location in the large breaking surf, the lifeboat crew were unable to reach the casualties and stood by as support while the Coastguard helicopter winched them off the rocks and onto the cliffs above.

Both casualties were very shaken, a few cuts and bruises but otherwise unharmed.

Notes to editors

· Please see the images taken from the beach of the rescue operation, credit Drustan Ward

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