Emergency services have confirmed that two people died after being pulled from the sea at Fistral Beach, Newquay, on the night of Sunday 26 July.
What happened
Devon and Cornwall Police said they were contacted by the South Western Ambulance Service at about 9.45pm after reports that two people had been recovered from the water. The coastguard was first informed slightly earlier, at about 9.30pm.
Despite the efforts of multiple rescue teams, a woman in her 30s and a man in his 60s were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and police are preparing a file for HM Coroner.
Which services attended
- Coastguard Rescue Teams from Newquay, Padstow and St Agnes
- Lifeboats from Newquay RNLI
- An HM Coastguard helicopter
- Devon and Cornwall Police and South Western Ambulance Service
Police established a cordon while the emergency services worked at the scene; this was later removed.
"Police were called by the South Western Ambulance Service at around 9.45pm on Sunday 26 July following reports that two people had been recovered from the water at Fistral Beach, Newquay... A file will be prepared for HM Coroner."
Local context and safety
Fistral is one of the county's busiest surf beaches, well known for strong currents and rips. The coastguard confirmed the multiple-unit response and that teams from neighbouring stations were deployed.
| Time (approx.) | Action |
|---|---|
| c. 21:30 | HM Coastguard first informed |
| c. 21:45 | Police called by ambulance service; recovery from water reported |
At this stage there has been no suggestion of criminality in the accounts released by police; their statement concentrates on the recovery, the identities (by age bands) of those who died and the steps being taken to notify families and prepare a coroner's file.
Anyone with information about the incident, or who witnessed events on the beach that evening, should contact Devon and Cornwall Police through their non-emergency channels. The coroner will ultimately determine the official cause of death following the file submission.
My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died as the local community absorbs this shocking loss.
