The cliff rescue above Sennen Cove that ended on foot

By the time the ropes were out above Sennen Cove, a lifeboat crew was already on the rocks below and paramedics were working their way down to the casualty. Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team had been on the go since just after two that morning.

An early call on Penzance promenade

The first tasking came in at 02.12, when the team was sent to help police search for a person on Penzance promenade. They were still mustering at the station when the message came through to stand down. Police had located the person and no further assistance was needed.

Reports of a fall above Sennen Cove

The pagers went again at 10.45. This time Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team was tasked alongside Land’s End Coastguard Rescue Team to reports of someone falling from the cliffs above Sennen Cove.

The Sennen inshore lifeboat was tasked as well and reached the scene first. Two crew members were put ashore and began casualty care while the cliff teams were still on their way.

Rigging for a technical rescue

Both cliff rescue teams started rigging for a technical cliff rescue as soon as they arrived. While that was going on, two team members walked down to the casualty with critical care paramedics and ambulance service staff to help with the assessment.

The casualty walked out

The assessment changed the plan. Rather than being lifted off the rocks, the casualty would try to walk out, and with team members alongside they were escorted safely from the cliff base around to the waiting ambulance.

All the assets then regrouped and restowed their equipment before heading back to their vehicles for a debrief. They were taskings 48 and 49 of the year for the Penzance team.

If any of this reflects something you are going through, Samaritans can be called free on 116 123, at any hour.

📷Credit: Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team