COASTGUARDS are urging members of the public not to climb cliffs or rock stacks following a helicopter rescue in Cornwall this week.

At around 15.57 on Thursday (August 17), the HM Coastguard Padstow Search and Rescue Team were tasked with reports of a male casualty who had climbed to the top of Red Cove Island (Bedruthuan Steps) and was unable to descend.

The HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 from St Athan (Bristow Group), along with Newquay RNLI Lifeboats were also tasked to the incident.

Due to the difficult position of the casualty, the only option was for a winch extraction by the HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. Once the male was safely onboard, he was given a clinical assessment by the winch paramedic.

Falmouth Packet: The male casualty had become stuck on a rock and was unable to descend The male casualty had become stuck on a rock and was unable to descend (Image: HM Coastguard Padstow)

The casualty was deemed fit and well and reunited with his family.

Coastguard crews are now urging members of the public not to climb cliffs and rock stacks if someone is in danger on the beach, in the sea or on the coast to call 999. 

A spokesperson from HM Coastguard Padstow said: “At 15.57 today, HM Coastguard Padstow Search & Rescue Team were tasked to reports of a male casualty who had climbed up to the top of Red Cove Island (Bedruthan Steps) and was unable to descend.

“HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 187 from St Athan (Bristow Group), and Newquay RNLI Lifeboats were also tasked to the incident.

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CRT assets arrived on the scene and having located the casualty, gathered further information from family members. Given the casualty's position, the only option in this scenario was a winch extraction by the HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter.

“With R924 attending another incident, R187 was tasked from St Athan. Newquay RNLI ILB was tasked to provide safety cover for the rescue.

Falmouth Packet: HM Coastguard Padstow HM Coastguard Padstow (Image: HM Coastguard Padstow)

“With the casualty safely onboard R187, an HLS was established in the vicinity of the NT Team Rooms. R187 landed and post a clinical assessment by the winch paramedic, the casualty was deemed fit and well and reunited with his family. Relevant safety advice was then given to the casualty and his family.

“R187 and the RNLI Newquay Lifeboat departed the scene with thanks. Padstow CRV returned to the station for 1900HRS ready for the next tasking.

“Please do not attempt to climb cliffs or rock stacks. If you see someone in danger at the coast, on the beach, or in the sea call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”