Watch: Dramatic sea rescue as dog walker is airlifted to safety

Lifeboat crew pluck man from the water, but rescuers were unable to save his dog

A dog walker who fell into the sea off the Cornish coast has been airlifted to safety in a dramatic rescue.
The man was walking along Cotty’s Point in Perranporth, Cornwall, when he and his dog were cut off by the tide on Wednesday evening.
Footage shows an RNLI lifeboat pulling him from the rough sea before he is lifted away in a rescue helicopter. However, the charity was unable to save the dog, which had been washed away.
Steve Finnay, 49, who filmed the rescue, said: “At around 4:30pm, we went to the clifftop for a better view of the beach. We saw a helicopter appearing close to Perran Sands, and quickly realised someone might be in trouble.
“Shortly afterwards, an RNLI lifeboat came across to help them.
“It was all very dramatic – they took him to hospital but couldn’t reach the dog in time. They made a very brave attempt, though.”
The rescue mission was carried out by the St Agnes Coastguard Search and Rescue Team, the Newquay Coastguard and St Agnes RNLI Lifeboat.
The St Agnes Coastguard said: “Once the casualty had been lifted, we set to work trying to locate the dog.
“After some time, St Agnes rescue officer Tom spotted the dog, but unfortunately, after every effort was made to try and retrieve it, we were unable to.”
The organisation added: “We are deeply saddened by the outcome of this particular mission, we extend our condolences to the individual who lost their beloved dog in this incident.”
A Met Office yellow weather warning was issued for Cornwall this week with a chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.