Newquay’s RNLI lifeboat volunteers were alerted at 1am on Sunday (May 29) and took part in a large search for two people reported missing from the beach at Perranporth.

In thick fog, which reduced visibility to as low as ten metres in places, the RNLI volunteers responded in the charity’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Gladys Mildred, to a report from concerned family and friends of a missing 55-year-old man who they believed may be in the sea.

The lifeboat crew searched Perran Bay in calm conditions along with St Agnes RNLI inshore lifeboat and Newquay and St Agnes coastguard rescue teams, while police and other teams searched away from the shore.

While the search continued, a second person was reported missing, but fortunately, both were found safe inland by police officers and the search teams were stood down just before 2.30am. 

In the thick fog and very poor visibility, the lifeboat crew returned to Newquay at a reduced speed and reached the harbour safely at around 3.30am.