COASTGUARD NEWS - WESTERN REGION             

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Western 092/01
25 July 2001

SEA ANGLER FATALITY IN CROYDE BAY

Swansea Coastguard was alerted at 4.20a.m on 25 July 2001 after one of two local men raised the alarm when his friend fell into the water at Croyde Bay whilst drag net fishing from a sand bar.

Coastguard immediately tasked the RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor along with Coastguard Rescue Teams from Croyde and Mortehoe and requested the launch of the Appledore RNLI inshore lifeboat. A land based Police unit also attended the scene.


RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor
The second man ran to a nearby caravan site to get help after he saw his friend disappear when he reportedly slipped to one side of the sand bar into deeper water.

The lifeboat soon spotted something in the water and upon further investigation the helicopter winched a man from the water. He was given first aid at the scene and airlifted to North Devon District Hospital.

Tragically the man was confirmed dead on arrival and Devon Police are now dealing with the incident.