Couple saved drifting out to sea at Castle Beach Falmouth

Marc Thomas and colleague Richie Williams were first on the scene at Castle Beach after a 999 call was made by a member of the public on Thursday morning.

Castle Beach, Falmouth. File image: Tim Green 

The caller told Falmouth Coastguard Operations Centre they could see two swimmers in difficulty about 30 metres off shore, being dragged out by the currents.

Senior coastal operations officers Marc and Richie were first to arrive following the emergency call at 10.40am.

Marc entered the water, secured by safety lines to his colleague Richie, who was providing shore support.

Marc swam out and reached the couple, before all three of them were then pulled back safely to shore by Richie. 

Richie Williams (left) and Marc Thomas. Photo: Falmouth Coastguard 

Yesterday the couple visited the coastguards, to thank them again in person for what they did.

Marc has since described the moment he saw the call come in while he was at work in Falmouth.

He said: "Richie and I went to the scene and were there within ten minutes, and we could see the people drifting and clinging to a life buoy.

"We were able to make a fast rescue and we were delighted to see the people again when they popped in to say thank you to us and all our emergency services colleagues."

Read more: Coastguards rescue married couple off Castle Beach

He went on to thank the other emergency service teams who were there also.

Working alongside Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team were the coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Newquay, Falmouth RNLI Lifeboat, South West Ambulance Service and Devon and Cornwall Police.

"The situation could have easily and quickly been quite different and we all work together as one team, always aiming for the best possible outcome,' Marc added.

The woman, in her 60s, and man, in his 70s, were taken into the care of the ambulance service following their ordeal.