Pair found alive after sea cave rescue

LONDON, July 3 (Reuters) A lifeguard and a woman friend trapped in a sea cave in Cornwall for more than 10 hours were rescued after a major search, the coastguard said today.

The pair were caught by rising tides yesterday as they explored the cave a few miles north of Newquay, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.

A rescue helicopter, three lifeboats and two lifeguard jet-skis were sent out to search for the pair after the alarm was raised.

The lifeguard, from New Zealand, was pulled from the sea just before midnight after swimming in the darkness to the mouth of the cave where rescuers had been shining lights.

His companion was found at the back of the cave. She was taken by helicopter to hospital suffering from hypothermia.

''To hear of the successful recovery has been of great cheer to all the rescue units who have worked on this incident,'' said Ian Guy, Falmouth Coastguard watch manager. ''We were very concerned for their safety given the rough conditions earlier yesterday afternoon'' REUTERS GL PM1415