Person rescued from mud at Par Beach entrance in multi-agency operation

The entrance to one of Cornwall’s most popular family beaches turned into the scene of a multi-agency rescue operation yesterday, after a member of the public became trapped in mud and could not free themselves.

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team

What happened

St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked on Monday 11th May 2026 to reports of a person stuck in mud near the entrance to Par Beach. On arrival, the team assessed the situation and put a rescue plan together, working alongside crews from St Austell Community Fire Station.

Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were also called in as the specialist mud rescue unit, travelling across the county to assist.

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team

The rescue

The three teams worked together to free the casualty from the mud. Once extracted, the person was handed over to a waiting ambulance crew for checks.

St Austell Coastguard said the 999 call had brought the right services to the scene at the right time, with the coastguard and fire service both dispatched together.

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team

Road closed during operation

The road near the beach entrance was blocked while the rescue was carried out. St Austell Coastguard thanked members of the public who waited patiently as the teams worked.

Par Beach sits on the south Cornwall coast between St Austell and Fowey and draws families and dog walkers throughout the year. The mud near the beach entrance can catch people out, particularly around the tidal edges.

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team

📷Credit: St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team