Huge rescue operation launched as man spotted falling down cliff

A huge air, sea, and land rescue operation was launched after a boat skipper happened to notice something out of the corner of his eye on the Welsh coast. What he had seen was in fact a person falling down a large cliff at New Quay Head in Ceredigion – a popular destination with tourists, beachgoers, and walkers during the summer months.

New Quay's inshore lifeboat was launched in an attempt to reach the stranded person and soon RNLI crews were joined by members of the UK Coastguard, police officers, paramedics, and two rescue helicopters. Once at the scene RNLI made their way ashore to the bottom of the cliff to provide casualty care until paramedics arrived. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.

After he was assessed the injured person was transported to New Quay Harbour and into a waiting ambulance. The injuries sustained in the incident, which happened on Tuesday afternoon, are not thought to be life-threatening but the injured person has been described as "very lucky" given the distance he had fallen.

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Brett Stones, New Quay RNLI's helm, said: "After a full assessment of the casualty’s injuries it was decided that it was possible to extract him by sea. With the assistance of HM Coastguard the casualty was transferred to the in-shore lifeboat and then on to an ambulance at New Quay harbour."

Brett, who also owns SeaMôr Dolphin Watching Boat Trips, added: “It was one of our skippers that noticed some movement out the corner of his eye which turned out to be the person falling down the cliff by the fish factory. His quick reactions and eagle eyes meant that three coastguard rescue teams, two ambulances, police, Coastguard rescue helicopter 187 ,and a Wales Air Ambulance helicopter were on the scene very quickly.

"For the distance they had fallen the outcome was very lucky. We all wish the casualty a full and speedy recovery. We’d also like to thank the member of the public from a passing boat who was first on scene to help. A great team effort.”

New Quay Coastguard echoed those sentiments by saying: "A great example of multiple emergency services working collaboratively whilst responding to a coastal incident. On behalf of New Quay Coastguard Rescue Team we wish the casualty a speedy recovery. Remember if you see anyone in difficulty at sea or along the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."