Man and son-in-law drown on fishing trip
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.A 68-year-old man and his son-in-law have been drowned while on a family fishing trip in Cornwall.
A 68-year-old man and his son-in-law have been drowned while on a family fishing trip in Cornwall.
The older man had been fishing from rocks at Porthcothan Bay, near Padstow. He fell into the sea while trying to retrieve a fishing rod and his son-in-law, aged 39, was swept away as he tried to rescue him.
Their wives, aged 63 and 38, were rescued from the scene by Royal Navy helicopters and the younger man's wife - who also went into the water to help - was airlifted to hospital suffering from hypothermia. The accident happened on Saturday evening as the group were fishing in the picturesque bay on the north Cornwall coast.
A Falmouth Coastguard spokesperson, Julia Gosling, said: "The conditions in the area at the time were very rough. There was a north-westerly wind gusting to force seven and heavy surf and a heavy swell."
The older man's body was recovered from the scene by helicopter and his son-in-law's body was found in the sea near Padstow yesterday. Police were not releasing the names of the men, who are believed to have been from north Devon, until next of kin have been informed.
Nick Walker, operating manager for Padstow lifeboat, said lifeguards were just leaving the beach when they realised what was going on and went to assist. He added: "It is a delightful spot but the seas were quite horrible at the time and this man could well have been caught by a rogue wave ... If you are in the way when it comes, a rogue wave will claim you. It is just bad luck and very tragic."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments