Newquay RNLI praised after rescuing five people and two dogs from cliff fall

Newquay RNLI volunteers were paged on January 31 after a landslide near the Fly Cellars and rescued five people and two dogs; all were taken to the lifeboat station for checks and refreshments.

Newquay RNLI volunteers were paged at 3.06pm on January 31 after reports that five people and two pets had become trapped following a large landslide above the Fly Cellars, close to Newquay harbour. Both of the charity's lifeboats were launched and crews checked for injuries and assessed the scene before forming a plan to recover everyone safely. The operation involved coordinating between volunteers on land and crews at sea while the tide caused a changing swell. After evacuation, those rescued were taken to the lifeboat station for checks and care. What happened: - Volunteers were paged at 3.06pm on January 31 after reports of a large landslide above the Fly Cellars that trapped five people and two dogs. - Both RNLI lifeboats were launched; the D-class headed to the steps by the Fly Cellars while an Atlantic-class crew member went ashore to assist another volunteer on land. - The D-class helm landed the bow on a flat rock during a swell rise so casualties could be helped aboard one by one, and the first two were handed to the Atlantic crew and taken to the harbour. - All five people and two dogs were taken to the lifeboat station, where they were offered hot drinks and water for the dogs and received injury checks and advice from a trained paramedic volunteer. - After the rescue, equipment was cleaned, a full debrief was carried out, volunteers were thanked, and they returned home at around 5.15pm. Summary: Messages of gratitude followed the rescue, including thanks from one casualty, Reggie Newman, and a relative, Sarah English. The rescue concluded with on‑scene care at the lifeboat station and a station debrief; Undetermined at this time.