Two lifeboats rescue family and dogs from cliffface in heavy surf Both of Newquay's inshore lifeboats were involved in rescuing two adults, a baby and two dogs from a cliff after they had been cut off by the tide at Bedruthan steps on 30 July 1996. The service, in a breaking 6ft swell, was described by the honorary secretary as 'one of the most dangerous undertaken' by the station and was recognised by letters of congratulation from the RNLI's Director.

The Atlantic 75 Phyllis and the D class Lord Daresburybad launched at 1623, following a report that the family had been cut off and were some 9m up a steep cliff face backing the cove at Bedruthan Steps about three miles away.

When the Atlantic reached the scene about 20 minutes later a rescue helicopter had already arrived, but could not winch the casualties to safety because of the high, steep cliff backing the cove. A Force 4 breeze was kicking up a swell more than 6ft high which was breaking heavily against the base of the cliff. There was still an hour to go before Spring high water.

Conditions inside the little cove were too dangerous for the 7.5m Atlantic, so when the smaller, more manouevrable D class arrived a few minutes later it was decided to use her to run in through the surf and pick the casualties off the cliff face one at a time - transfering them to the Atlantic which would stay outside the surf line.

Jeremy Griffiths moved across from the Atlantic to the D, which then went in through the breaking seas to put him and D class crew member Ian Jepson ashore with lifejackets for the trapped family.

The D moved back out to the safety of deeper water while the lifejackets were put on and then went back in to take the mother aboard, taking her back out to the Atlantic.

The next trip was aborted when the infaltable was completely filled by a breaker, but the next three runs in were acomplished safely - bringing out a baby, then the father and two large dogs, and finally the two lifeboatmen.

With everyone safely aboard the larger Atlantic both lifeboats headed for home, arriving at Newquay at 1740..