A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being washed off rocks whilst fishing by Trewavas Head near Porthleven.
A member of the public witnessed the incident and dialled 999 at around 4pm on Saturday.
Falmouth Coastguard tasked Rescue Helicopter 193, the Porthleven Coastguard Rescue Team and two lifeboats from Penlee to the scene.
The helicopter crew were first to arrive and managed to locate the man and winch him to safety. He was taken to Treliske in a critical condition.
A spokesman for Falmouth Coastguard said: "Conditions yesterday were quite rough, there was a strong swell and although it is generally sheltered in this spot, a wave came up and swept the man into the sea while he was fishing.
"The water is pretty cold at this time of year and he was not well at all when he was picked up. It is lucky someone saw him go in, if not I think he would probably have lost his life."
Devon and Cornwall Police said the man was still in hospital and that officers are trying to establish his identity and contact next of kin.
