RNLI Lifeguards and Lifeboat Crew Rescue Two People and Dog at Whitsand Bay

RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crew from Looe were called into action on Monday evening (11th August) after two people and their dog became cut off by the tide between Tregantle and Portwrinkle beach in Cornwall.

The rescue, which took place just after 6pm, involved multiple emergency services working together to ensure everyone was brought to safety.

First Casualty and Dog Retrieved by Lifeguards

RNLI lifeguards Adam Knight and Sam Luckhurst, who were wrapping up their daily patrol on Tregantle beach, were tasked by Falmouth Coastguards and quickly launched the Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB). They reached the first casualty and their dog, who were trapped without a safe route off the beach.

The pair were secured in the IRB and transferred to Looe’s larger Atlantic 85 lifeboat, which had just arrived on scene.

Second Casualty Stuck on Cliff Face

The second casualty had attempted to climb the cliff but became stuck, unable to go higher or descend safely.

As RNLI crews stood by, the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter lowered a winchman to the casualty, who was then safely extracted and handed over to the Tamar Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team at the top.

Safe Return to Shore

Looe RNLI lifeboat crew took the first casualty and dog back to Portwrinkle beach. The second casualty was reported safe and well.

Lifeguard Supervisor Urges Tide Awareness

Charlie Gillett, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said:

“It was a really well coordinated rescue between all the emergency services involved and something that we train with our lifeboat colleagues frequently for. Unfortunately, the stretch of coast along south east Cornwall has very steep, high cliffs and lots of coves which are prone to being cut off at high tide. We’re currently on spring tides, which mean the high tides are very high and so tidal cuts off are more likely to occur. Our advice is to check your tide times before you venture out for your walk, and if in doubt please speak to the lifeguards. Thankfully the couple were rescued and are safe and well but it could have been a different situation should they have fallen from the cliff.”

📷Looe Inshore Lifeboat and Tregantle lifeguards Inshore Rescue Boat coordinating with the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter. - Credit: RNLI