A HUGE search operation has tragically recovered the body of an 80-year-old man from a popular UK beach.
Police, Coastguard, Lifeboat crews, and South West Ambulance Service responded to Sidmouth beach in Devon yesterday after a person was spotted on the rocks.
A lifeboat was sent to the rocky shore near Jacobs Ladder to bring the man back to the safety of the beach.
Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene after being rescued by the lifeboat crew.
The man’s family have been informed and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.
The beach was closed off to the public while emergency services raced to save the man from the rocks.
The huge rescue operation saw a coastguard helicopter deployed to the popular seaside spot.
In a statement, Exmouth Police said: “This morning officers from Exmouth patrol and Rural East Devon patrol supported Exmouth and Beer Coastguard Search & Rescue Teams, Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, the Coastguard helicopter and South West Ambulance Service, attended an incident at Big Picket Rock under High Peak between Ladram Bay and Jacobs Ladder beach at Sidmouth.
“A person was recovered by Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat’s ‘Speedy Sid’ inshore lifeboat, and was conveyed to Sidmouth beach but unfortunately had passed away.
“The family have been informed and our collective thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“Whilst eventually it finalised in Sidmouth, thank you for your patience and understanding around short closures and emergency vehicle obstructions on Sidmouth seafront as well as the CG helicopter landing on the seafront.”
GettyThe man was recovered by a lifeboat crew but tragically pronounced dead shortly after[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
