Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Police find two bodies in search for missing people after boat capsized in Devon lake

Both missing people were disabled, Marine Accident Investigation Branch said

Lamiat Sabin
Thursday 09 June 2022 23:45 BST
Comments
A general view of Roadford Lake in Devon
A general view of Roadford Lake in Devon (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Police have recovered the bodies of two people during a major search of a lake in Devon after a boat capsized.

The motor-powered vessel capsized on Roadford Lake, near Oakhampton, on Wednesday.

Four people were rescued but two others were reported missing. Both were disabled, according to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.

Chief Superintendent Dan Evans, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “This is an extremely distressing incident and our thoughts are with all of those involved and their loved ones, who we are working closely with to offer help and support wherever we can.

“Every effort has been made to locate the two people who remained unaccounted for as fast as possible.

“Tragically, we can confirm that the bodies of two people were located and recovered this afternoon. Our priority is to support their families.”

The families of the two missing people have been informed of the development and are being supported by specially trained officers, the force said.

Formal identification of the bodies has yet to take place.

A large-scale response from emergency services launched involving police, fire and ambulance services, the air ambulance, HM Coastguard, and search and rescue teams after the boat capsized at about 1.30pm on Wednesday.

Of the four passengers that were rescued from the 130 ft-deep lake, two were taken to Derriford Hospital for treatment.

One has since been discharged but the other person remains in the hospital in critical condition.

The two other people rescued were checked by paramedics at the scene before being discharged.

The group were all adults and believed to all be local to the Devon region.

No other boats were involved in the incident, police said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in