Casualty Airlifted from Newquay’s Towan Beach in Multi-Agency Rescue

It was just before 8am on a Friday morning when the calm of Towan Beach was shattered.

Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team have shared details of a major multi-agency operation that saw one of the town’s most popular beaches temporarily closed to the public, with a casualty eventually airlifted by Cornwall Air Ambulance.

What Happened

At 7:47am on Friday 8th May 2026, Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked alongside Newquay RNLI Lifeboats, St Agnes Coastguard Search & Rescue Team, Devon and Cornwall Police, and a full time coastguard officer to assist South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the critical care team with a casualty on Towan Beach.

The beach was temporarily closed to the public while emergency services worked.

📷Credit: Newquay coastguard search & rescue team

A Coordinated Effort

Newquay coastguard team and the RNLI lifeboat crew assisted with treatment of the casualty on the sand. Meanwhile, the St Agnes team headed up to the Barrowfields, the open green space above the beach, to establish a secure landing zone for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Once the helicopter was safely down, the casualty was transferred across and flown onwards for further treatment.

The condition of the casualty has not been disclosed.

📷Credit: Newquay coastguard search & rescue team

Public Asked to Stay Vigilant

In their statement, Newquay Coastguard thanked all agencies involved and members of the public who helped during the incident.

They also issued a reminder for anyone visiting the Cornish coast: if you see someone in difficulty along the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

📷Credit: Newquay coastguard search & rescue team