EMERGENCY services were scrambled after a surfer got into difficulty at North Fistral on Saturday night (February 15).

Newquay RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat and Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team attended the incident at about 5.20pm.

Newquay Coastguard and lifeboats attended the scene ( )

But fellow surfers managed to get the stricken longboarder to safety before the emergency services arrived.

A spokesperson for Newquay RNLI Lifeboats said: “Newquay's RNLI lifeboat volunteers were paged and launched the charity's Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat, following a 999 call reporting a surfer in difficulties at North Fistral.

“In a moderate offshore breeze and fading light, the lifeboat crew arrived at North Fistral within five minutes of launching, where it was quickly confirmed by members of Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team that the longboard surfer was safely back on the beach having been assisted to shore by members of the public and no further assistance was required.

“With the surfer confirmed safe and well, the RNLI crew were stood down with thanks at 5.44pm and the inshore lifeboat was rehoused and ready for service at Newquay Harbour by 6.05pm.”

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard said: “We were tasked alongside Newquay RNLI Lifeboats to reports coming in of a surfer in difficulty at North Fistral.

“Upon arrival it became apparent that the individual had been assisted out of the water and required no further assistance and after a search of the area all assets were stood down.

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