Three Women Rescued After Being Cut Off by Tide at Porthtowan

Three women were rescued this afternoon after being cut off by the rising tide at Porthtowan.

The volunteer crew of St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat was paged at 3.37pm on Saturday 21st March 2026, after the group called for help when they became stranded. Just eight minutes later, the lifeboat launched and headed quickly to the scene.

Casualties Located North of Beach

While en route, the crew received updated information placing the three women to the north of Porthtowan beach. On arrival, they were guided to the exact location by two members of Porthtowan Surf Lifesaving Club.

The pair had already alerted the Coastguard and remained with the women, helping to keep them safe and reassured while assistance was on the way.

Lifeboat Lands to Complete Rescue

With favourable conditions, the D-Class inshore lifeboat was able to land on what remained of the beach. The three casualties were recovered and assessed by a volunteer crew member trained in casualty care.

They were then transported by lifeboat back to Porthtowan beach, where they were handed into the care of Portreath Coastguard Cliff Rescue.

RNLI Issues Tide Warning

Senior Helm Tom Forehead said:

“With this fine weather people are bound to want to stay on the beach for as long as possible. Unfortunately, they are not always aware of the tides, and can all too easily become cut off. Today they did the right thing and called for help. It was great that our friends from Porthtowan Surf Lifesaving Club were there to help and reassure them.”

Lifeboat Back Ready Within Minutes

By 4.30pm, the lifeboat had returned to Trevaunance Cove, where onlookers watched its recovery. The vessel was washed down, rehoused, refuelled and ready for service again by 4.45pm.

For advice on staying safe around tides, visit the RNLI website: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides

📷Beware tidal cut-off - Credit: RNLI/Tom Knight