Surf rescue teenager 'reckless'

The teenage surfer was missing for about 30 minutes

A teenage surfer reported missing at sea in Cornwall in poor weather while under the influence of alcohol has been branded "reckless" by coastguards.

Friends of the 16-year-old boy raised the alarm after he went missing for 30 minutes while surfing off Gwenver Beach, near Sennen, at about 0200 BST.

A coastguard team, lifeboat and rescue helicopter were scrambled but the youth reached shore unaided.

Rescuers said there were squally showers and gale force winds.

Winds were reportedly blowing up to gale force nine (50mph/40 knots) when the teenager went missing.

Falmouth Coastguard said the teenager was under the influence of drink when he went into the sea and Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokeswoman Maggie Howell described his actions as "reckless".