The climbers’ bags that sent Land’s End coastguard to Gwennap Head

A set of climbing bags still in place as the light starts to go can mean nothing at all. Or it can mean someone is in trouble below. On Wednesday 16 September, the Land’s End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team was sent to find out which.

It turned out to be the first part of a busy evening on the cliffs near Land’s End.

📷Credit: Lands End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team

What the watchkeeper spotted

Watchkeepers at the National Coastwatch Institution station at Gwennap Head had noticed climbers setting up to climb right underneath the station. Before the watchkeeper left, they reported their concerns to Falmouth Coastguard, because the climbers’ bags were still there.

With the light fading, the team was tasked at about 6.30pm to investigate and report back on the status of the climbers. Several members were already heading towards Land’s End, where the team was due to train that evening, so everyone diverted to the rendezvous point by the NCI station.

An edge check that wasn’t needed

On scene, the team started setting up for an Edge Safety Officer. That is someone in a harness and on a rope who can safely position themselves at the cliff edge, in this case to look over and try to spot the climbers.

While the equipment was being made ready, the climbers appeared over the edge of the cliff. After a few questions to confirm they were the climbers the team had been sent to check on, the team updated the coastguard operations room.

📷Credit: Lands End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team

Training, in a different spot

The call-out had changed the team’s plans for training at Land’s End, but there was still enough time for a session somewhere else. The team’s Senior Coastal Operations Officer, call-sign S11B, scouted the area for a suitable place to practise vertical rescue.

Most of the team’s technical work happens over a cliff edge or down a very steep bank, where ropes and recovery gear keep everyone safe. Vertical rescue is a little different. It is used for descending into something, such as a vessel’s hatch, gaps in rock armour, or holes.

📷Credit: Lands End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team

A technician hanging off the rocks

The team found a small area of rocks with just enough room to suspend a technician off the ground, and got the equipment set up. They worked through various recovery techniques, talked over the limitations of the equipment and the environment, and discussed the kinds of situations where this type of rescue would be needed.

They packed up their gear just before the weather and the darkness closed in, and headed back to the station.

If you see someone in trouble

The team’s reminder is a short one. If you see someone in danger on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

📷Credit: Lands End Coastguard Search & Rescue Team