We are often asked by visitors to the lookout, what is it we actually do?
Well, we are a team of approx. 30 local volunteers who operate the National Coastwatch lookout station 365 days a year. We are part of the UK’s Search & Rescue (SAR) ecosystem under the control of HM Coastguard (ours is based in Falmouth).
Our catch line is “Eyes Along the Coast”. Our role is to observe the 400 square miles of Celtic Sea, coastline and coast path from Hartland Point to Tintagel. If we see someone in distress on sea or land we call it in to the coastguard and assist them and any other resources they call upon such as the RNLI and Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT).
Looking back at 2025, we were involved in 10 incidents. An incident is recorded when a “blue light” service is involved such as the coastguard, police, fire or ambulance.
We had an unusually quiet start to the year with no incidents recorded until June. June saw our most serious incident of the year, a swimmer in distress swimming around Meachard. Although well prepared, he became disorientated and ended swimming in the direction of Tintagel. He was rescued by the RNLI and expressed his gratitude to them and ourselves for the rescue.
In July two poorly prepared (no buoyancy aids) kayakers got into difficulty, one capsizing, unable to get back into the kayak. The second kayaker was able to support the person in the water to the water’s edge where they were met by the Coastguard Rescue Team and educated on the importance of being able to float. Typically, it takes 30-40 minutes for the lifeboat to reach Boscastle. That’s a long time to tread water or float before a rescue so a life jacket or buoyancy aid is critical.
We had four incidents in August. A yacht attempted to enter the harbour at low tide, nearly grounding. Assisting the CRT with a paddleboarder in difficulty. Assisting with a search associated with discarded clothing and assisting with persons in danger of serious injury on the cliffs.
September saw two incidents, concern over a missing member of public and a vessel with high performance outboards acting suspiciously.
We assisted with one incident in October, again a missing member of public and closed the year with two incidents in December, concern over a member of public and a fall caused by gale force winds.
So all in all a typical year for Boscastle NCI, pleased to be able to help people in distress.
We are grateful for the support we receive from our generous local community and visitors. We are a registered charity and have to generate the funding necessary to operate the station.
If anyone is interested to join our organisation, please pop up to the lookout to have a chat to the watchkeepers or drop us an email on boscastle@nci.org.uk and we will reach out to you.
