Man Trapped After Coast Path Collapses Near Falmouth

In a dramatic rescue operation, the Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team successfully saved a man trapped on a cliff between Maenporth and Swanpool, Falmouth, on 1st July 2024. The incident occurred when the path the man was walking on collapsed beneath him, causing him to fall 15 feet into a hole and become trapped among the undergrowth.

Immediate Response and Coordination

At 17:08, multiple rescue teams, including Porthleven Coastguard Team, Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team, Full-time Coastguard, Senior Coastal Operations Officer S11B, and the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter R187, were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, a search team was deployed to locate the casualty.

Challenging Terrain and Expert Techniques

Once located, the rescue team faced the challenge of transporting their equipment over 300 meters of difficult terrain. The confined work area further complicated the operation. However, the team set up rope rescue equipment, and a specialist Rope Rescue Technician was deployed through thick undergrowth to secure the casualty.

Successful Rescue and Recovery

The technician managed to place the casualty in a rescue sling, and both were safely recovered to the cliff top. Despite suffering some bumps and scrapes, the casualty was otherwise uninjured. The teams then worked together to recover all equipment back to the rendezvous point.

The man had been walking down a ‘fisherman’s path’ when it collapsed, creating a hole that trapped him. Despite poor signal in the area, he was able to call the Coastguard for help via his mobile phone, speaking to MRCC Falmouth.

Community Support

The Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team expressed their gratitude to the Falmouth Golf Club for their assistance in providing access to the scene, which was crucial in the successful outcome of the operation.

This incident highlights the importance of proper safety measures and the quick response capabilities of the Coastguard teams in handling emergency situations.