The Falmouth Inshore lifeboat left her slipway at 10:23 pm, followed by the All Weather at 10:29. On arrival at the scene at 10:29 the inshore lifeboat put two crewmembers ashore to asses the situation. By now, however, the two occupants were out of the car which had fallen some 30ft down the cliff. The other emergency services were soon on the scene along with the All Weather lifeboat which arrived at 10:37, using its powerful searchlight to provide lighting for the action on the cliff face.

After assessing the casualties the paramedics decided that the best way to evacuate them was by sea. The casualties were then immobilised by the paramedics and transferred to the inshore lifeboat which then ferried them one at a time to the All Weather lifeboat along with the paramedic team.

At 10:48pm the two casualties and the paramedics treating them were on their way back to the Lifeboat Station. On arrival, they were then transferred to the waiting ambulance and taken to Treliske Hospital for check up and any further treatment.

By 22 minutes after midnight both the lifeboats had been washed down, refuelled and made ready for action once more.

Although the casualties had suffered injuries they were extremely lucky that they weren’t any worse considering the distance the car had fallen.

Notes to editors
• The crew of the Inshore Lifeboat on this mission were: Dave Nicoll (Helmsman), Andy Jenkin and Tom Bird.
• The crew for the All Weather Lifeboat were: Mark Pollard (Coxswain), John Blakeston, Tom Napper, Jonathan Hackwell, Sandy Proctor, Neil Capper and Steve Bond.