Bullocks over cliff PORT ISAAC HONORARY SECRETARY received a request from HM Coastguard at 1606 on October 5, 1975, for the ILB to be launched to stand by teams attempting to rescue bullocks which had fallendown a cliff into a small cove at Port Quin. The fight to save the animals had been in progress since late morning but, with the rising tide and worsening sea conditions, waves were now breaking over the rescuers and there was danger that they might be washed under by the ground sea. The ILB was launched at 1610 and stood by until all those taking part were off the cliff.

At 1148 Coastguard Port Isaac had received a report that 30 bullocks had stampeded over a 150' cliff. The Land Rover was on the scene at 1210 and found that the farmer's sons and two policemen were at the foot of the cliffs with the animals. Port Isaac Cliff Rescue Company (including four ILB crew members) arrived at 1255 and laid out cliff lines and stakes and took a hawser down over the cliff. Fifteen of the bullocks were killed by their fall, five were injured and were put down by the veterinary surgeon, leaving ten to be rescued.

At 1420 a helicopter arrived, but the pilot found that because of their position in the cove he could not lift the cattle.

Ten minutes later the East Cornwall Mine Rescue Team, who had also been called, were rigging their hawser and frame and the lift began.

At 1720 one bullock swam out to sea.

The ILB managed to get a line around its neck (Crew Member Harry Pavitt lassoed it at his first attempt), but it was not possible to tow the animal; released, it swam off again and was drowned.

In the end, five bullocks were successfully hauled to the top of the cliff, the others being overtaken by the incoming tide and severe ground swell. The ILB left the cove at 1807, when all the rescuers were off the cliff, and returned to station at 1818.For this service Port Isaac ILB station and Port Isaac Cliff Rescue Company have been awarded certificates of merit by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Crew members in the Cliff Rescue Company were Clive Martin, Ian Honey, Edwin Flanagan and David Castle. The ILB was crewed by Robert Carter, Mark Provis and Harold Pavitt..