A 999 call at about 6.10pm on 26 July raised the alarm to the teenage boys who were stuck on a rocky ledge as waves swept in, getting closer and closer to their position.
The response was coordinated by HM Coastguard’s Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) which sent Coastguard Rescue Teams from Polzeath, Boscastle and Padstow.
The RNLI’s inshore lifeboat from Rock was also sent to support the operation from the water.
After arriving on the scene and ensuring the two youngsters were not injured, Coastguard Rescue Officers set up the secure rope system and were ready to abseil down.
In less than half an hour, the two boys had been carefully walked up the cliff to safety at the top to be reunited with their parents.
• Discover more about the skills of Coastguard Rescue Teams
Robin Snuggs, HM Coastguard Senior Coastal Operations Officer, praised everyone involved for helping to ensure a safe outcome.
Robin said: “Although it obviously wasn’t a situation anyone wanted, everybody did the right thing: the person who called 999, the boys who stayed put and waited for help, and the Coastguard Rescue Officers who brought them to safety.
“It goes to show how easy it is to be caught out by the tide, particularly if you’re visiting a place you don’t know well and you’re by the cliffs. Tides can come in at different levels on different days.
“Just a few small actions can make the difference. Our advice is always to check the tide times and stay aware of the state of the water. Take care around cliffs and carry a mobile phone in case you get into trouble.
“We’re very glad the boys were recovered safe and sound, and hope they enjoyed the rest of their holiday in peace!”
• If you see an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Skills to be on the edge
Clifftops are dangerous places, and visitors to the coast can very easily become casualties in need of rescue.
In many coastal areas of the UK where cliffs are a feature, specialist coastguards are trained in rope rescue techniques and equipment, following rigorous safety procedures to protect themselves, their colleagues and the casualties.
Additional skills are required by those who go over the cliff. These are known as Rope Rescue Technicians who can recover casualties using specialist techniques and equipment, including rescue slings, harnesses and stretchers.
Rope Rescue is not confined to cliff incidents – it can be used in any situation where a rescuer needs to gain access or would be at risk, such as sea walls, rock armour, bridges and docks.
