Man dies after being swept out to sea

A man has died following the dramatic sea rescue of a family of three in Newquay yesterday.

Newquay coastguard rescue Team, two Newquay RNLI Lifeboats, the coastguard helicopter from Newquay, Fistral RNLI lifeguards (with jetski), police, helimed and the ambulance service all attended the scene.

A seven-year-old boy and his 37-year-old mother have died in hospital after a rescue operation at Aberdeen beach in Scotland.

Ken Wilkins, who was in nearby Portreath at the time of the rescue, said the state of the sea was unusual for the time of year.

“We are asking people to attend Newquay police station today or tomorrow to enable them to talk to us in person about this incident”.

“It came up from nearly nothing and forced the stoppage of the National Seniors Surf Life Saving Championships”.

His wife, who sustained minor injuries, and daughter were also taken to hospital, as were the other children.

Rescuers were called to the beach at 5.20pm on Friday after reports a family had been swept out to sea.

Anyone who saw the incident or has information which can assist the investigation is being asked to attend Newquay police station today, Saturday August 20, between 2pm and 4pm, and tomorrow (August 21) between 10am and 2pm.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Jarrod Yewen, of Newquay CID, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this hard time”.

The RNLI urged people to stay clear of any places where waves can sweep you off your feet and to watch storms from a safe distance. “I think eventually that when they were found they were 50-60m off in what were absolutely treacherous conditions”.

Sergeant Harry Tangye, from Devon and Cornwall Police, also tweeted: “Horrible incident coming in from Newquay with coastguard and lifeboat involved”.