EMERGENCY services were scrambled after a man became seriously ill whilst walking along the River Gannel.

Newquay RNLI, Newquay and Padstow coastguard search and rescue teams and the ambulance service attended the incident below the former California Hotel on Tuesday, November 12, at about 1.15pm.

Newquay Coastguard requested assistance from Newquay RNLI lifeboats and Padstow coastguard due to the incoming tide.

But before the D-class lifeboat arrived the coastguard volunteers managed to move the casualty to the safety of land and into an awaiting ambulance. He was taken to hospital for further treatment.

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard said: “Once the casualty was located, due to the location and state of the tide both HM Coastguard Padstow and Newquay RNLI Lifeboats were also tasked to assist. The Cornwall Air Ambulance was also initially tasked but later stood down. 

“After the ambulance service had stabilised the casualty both coastguard teams carried the casualty up to the waiting ambulance. We wish them a speedy recovery.

“Thank you to all agencies and members of the public for their assistance.”

Newquay Lifeboat Station’s D class inshore lifeboat was launched and helmed by newly qualified helm, James Coombes.

He said: “The conditions were testing whilst travelling over Fistral Bay and negotiating the river Gannel is always challenging due to the regular shifting of the riverbed, however as my first official shout as a qualified helm, I was able to apply the skills and experience that I’ve gained over the last few years.”