Coastguard and Air Ambulance Respond to Fall at Crooklets Beach

Rock Fall Rescue at Bude Beach Triggers Air Ambulance Response

Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were called into action on the evening of Friday 6th March 2026 after a person fell several metres while scrambling on rocks at Crooklets Beach.

The team were tasked at 17:25 by Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to assist South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust with the incident.

Coastguard First on Scene

Coastguard Rescue Officers arrived first and began providing casualty care.

While treatment was underway, other members of the team cleared the beach in preparation for the arrival of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

The helicopter briefly touched down on the beach to drop off one of the paramedics before flying on to land at Maer Down.

Video Credit: Hannah Power

Air Ambulance Support

Rescue Officers continued assisting the HEMS paramedic as the casualty was assessed and treated.

At the same time, other members of the Coastguard team secured the helicopter landing site to ensure the aircraft could operate safely.

Once the casualty had been transferred onto a land ambulance and was on the way to hospital, the team remained in place maintaining the landing site until the Air Ambulance had safely departed.

Warning About Bude’s Cliffs and Rocks

Following the incident, the Coastguard highlighted the risks around the rocks in the Bude area.

The cliffs and rocks are a mixture of sandstone and mudstone, which can collapse or fall unexpectedly. Climbers are advised to stay away from the base of cliffs and to wear suitable protective equipment such as a climbing helmet.

The Coastguard also recommends protecting against falls, avoiding climbing alone, checking tide times before heading out, carrying a means of calling for help, and ensuring any rock being used is stable.

Anyone who sees a person in trouble on the coast, cliffs or at sea is urged to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.