VOLUNTEERS from Teignmouth's branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) assisted in a multi agency operation in Torquay to rescue a person who had fallen from a cliff.

Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team and Brixham Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to a report of a person who had fallen from height in the Watcombe area of Torquay on Thursday, July 27.

While trying to find a route to access a nearby beach, the casualty in question slipped from the path and fell down the cliff, coming to rest near to a steep track.

Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team
(Photo by Torbay Coastguard Rescue Team)

A family member then managed to make their way to them whilst another went to summon help.

Teignmouth RNLI volunteers launched The Two Annes just before 1.30pm on Thursday following a tasking from Solent Coastguard, and were able to provide both off shore and on shore support to the Coastguard teams.

The terrain made a rescue using the Devon Air Ambulance unsuitable and so a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was tasked.

The Coastguard team, therefore, lowered a Rope Rescue Technician to assist the Helicopter Winch Paramedic and secure to ropes the other family member and additional paramedic.

Once the casualty was winched into the helicopter the team set about bringing the family member and paramedic back up the cliff.

Teignmouth RNLI were then stood down, heading back to the station to refuel, ready for the next pager call.