Penzance Coastguard callout near Zennor took an unexpected turn

An alert came in from an iPhone. A helicopter landing site was being set up near the cliffs. And then someone on the roadside waved the team down with news that changed where everyone was heading.

Please note: the photos used with this article are stock images, for illustration only. They do not show the incident.

The call to Gala Rocks

Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked at 5.11pm last Wednesday (28 October) to the Gala Rocks area, just outside Zennor.

The alert, raised through an iPhone, reported a potential casualty having a medical episode.

Team members made their way to the area quickly. St Ives Coastguard Rescue Team was already on scene and asked the Penzance crew to set up a helicopter landing site for Rescue Helicopter 924.

A flag down on arrival

As the team arrived, a member of the public flagged them down. They confirmed the casualty was actually in a house nearby.

All the coastguard assets involved were updated with the new location, and the ambulance was redirected there.

Care until the paramedics took over

The coastguard teams gave casualty care alongside a member of the tri services team, before handing over to the ambulance service.

With the casualty safely with paramedics, everyone was stood down and returned to their stations. The team logged it as Tasking 63 of 2026.

📷Stock image, for illustration only. It does not show the incident.