Teenager Rescued from Cliff After Tide Cuts Him Off Near Looe – Could You Spot the Danger in Time?

A teenager who became cut off by the tide to the east of Looe was rescued on Sunday afternoon, 30th March 2025, by Looe RNLI’s volunteer crew.

The incident happened at Second Beach, East Looe, just two hours before one of the highest spring tides of the year.

Lifeboat Launched Within Minutes

Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received the call for help from the stranded teenager, triggering Looe RNLI pagers at 5.31pm. Within seven minutes, the D Class inshore lifeboat Ollie Naismith II was launched by shore crew.

The crew headed out from the Looe River, beginning their search along the shoreline towards Millendreath. They soon spotted the casualty sitting approximately 10 feet up the cliff near Chough Rock, Plaidy.

Cold but Uninjured

The teenager was described as wet and cold, but uninjured. Helm crew made the decision to bring him safely onto the lifeboat and return to the lifeboat station to warm up while waiting for parents to arrive.

This was the second call-out in 2025 for the volunteer team at Looe RNLI – both involving people cut off by the tide.

Tide Cut-Off Warning

Ian Foster, Looe RNLI’s volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said:

“Last night’s tide was one of the highest spring tides of the year. This incident occurred some 2 hours before high tide which shows that when walking along the coast you should always look around and take note of your surroundings as tidal cut offs can happen at any state of the tide. Luckily the casualty had a means of calling for help and did not attempt to climb further up the cliffs. With the clocks going forwards an hour over the weekend last night’s high tide was around 7.34 pm with sunset a few minutes afterwards. and if the incident happened a bit later it would have been more difficult for our crews to locate any casualties in fading light.”

Looe RNLI reminds all coastal walkers to be aware of the tide times and their surroundings, especially during spring tides and shorter daylight hours.

📷Stock image – Looe RNLI D Class D-872 Ollie Naismith II - Photo credit: RNLI / Ian Foster