Two people 'trapped' on Cornish cliff for four hours as coastguard stages dramatic rescue

Two individuals found themselves stranded halfway up a cliff face in Cornwall last night (Tuesday, May 26). Emergency services were scrambled to Pentire Steps at Bedruthan at 7.38pm after the pair discovered they were unable to move. Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team responded to the incident alongside Padstow Lifeboat, Polzeath Coastguard and the Newquay Coastguard helicopter. The picturesque coastal location is notoriously challenging to reach, situated just north of the famous Bedruthan Steps on Cornwall's wilder north coast, reports Cornwall Live . A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard said: "Two casualties had became trapped halfway up the cliff. Due to the casualties' location combined with loose rock and slate, a winch rescue via Rescue 924 was not possible." "With the lifeboat standing by offshore, two technical rope rescue systems were rigged up and two rope technicians were lowered down to the casualties." The pair were checked for injuries and after being made secure, they were brought down separately with a technician to the beach beneath. After the casualties and rope technicians reached the beach, the helicopter lifted all four into the aircraft. They were transported back to a base at Newquay Airport and returned to their vehicle. The coastguard confirmed the mission lasted approximately four hours, with the Newquay team arriving back at base at 11.45pm. This is not the first emergency operation at Pentire Steps Beach, also known as Diggory's beach. Last summer HM Coastguard Padstow issued a warning following an incident where someone fell along the same section of coastline. Its team wrote at the time on Facebook : "The footpath to this beach is seriously eroded, so the team is not able to safely access the beach, without being securely on ropes. "The stretch of beaches/coves in this area can be very difficult for emergency services to access. This rescue entailed the use of many assets and we were very lucky that they were all available at this time." Just a month afterwards another emergency call was received for the same spot, when the crew in Padstow cautioned: "We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that the beaches in this area are not lifeguarded and access is both dangerous and very restricted." The challenging landscape has not escaped the attention of visitors, though many remain undeterred. One holidaymaker, writing in a Google review just this week, said: "In my eyes, this is easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK and Europe. Worth every single effort to get there, even if it means a very long drive from home. "The dramatic landscapes and the opportunity to admire such breathtaking natural treasures feel truly priceless!" The National Trust suggests a walking route from Carnewas offering panoramic views of Bedruthan Steps, Pentire Steps and Porth Mear cove, though it warns on its website: "The beach stairs are closed due to a cliff fall and there is currently no access to Bedruthan beach." At low tide, Bedruthan beach connects with Pentire Steps beach, however a rockfall in 2019 resulted in the closure of the stairway to the former. The National Trust states it is "working closely with the RNLI, Coastguard, and others to fully understand the risks posed by further rockfalls" along this section of coast. Its website continues: "Until a final decision is made, access to the beach from these steps remains closed, and visitors are urged not to attempt alternative routes. This stretch of coastline is known for its strong currents and the risk of tidal cut-off." Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.