A MAJOR search operation was launched in Newquay following reports of a suspected casualty in the water at South Fistral on Wednesday night (April 10).

Coastguard SAR Helicopter 924 along with both Newquay RNLI Lifeboats as well as the Newquay and Padstow Coastguard Search and Rescue Teams were scrambled at about 8.45pm.

The search was suspended at 12.30am after an extensive search around Fistral Beach, Towan Headland, Pentire Headland and surrounding areas.

Coastguard search the area with torches (Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team)

Many residents came out of their properties to see what was going on as the helicopter hovered overhead and flares were sent out by the lifeboats to illuminate the area.

The Coastguard helicopter scours Newquay Bay ( )

Eyewitness, Savannah Brown, said: “I live on the headland and the emergency services have been out since before 10pm.

“Flares went up and then the Coastguard turned up.

“Around five or six Coastguard have been combing the beach with torches.

“Two lifeboats are in the water combing the coastline and the helicopter has been circling and going over the coastline.

“They then went right out to sea still searching, which included the two lifeboats and the helicopter towards the big ship that is out there.

“It’s been very loud. I hope everything is ok. It is horrible when you see it all happening.”

Coastguard members await their next instructions (Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team)

A spokesperson for Newquay Coastguard Rescue Team said: “We were tasked to assist in this search. After an extensive search by all assets of Fistral beach, Towan headland, Pentire Headland and surrounding areas the search was suspended at 12.30am.”

Coastguard members search around the shore for the possible casualty reported to be in the water ( )