A tragic incident at a South West beach has resulted in the death of a man this morning, Monday, September 29. Emergency services, including Police, Coastguard, RNLI, and the South West Ambulance Service, were called to Big Picket Rock—located between Ladram Bay and Jacobs Ladder near Sidmouth, Devon—after reports of a person in distress in the water.
The Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat, ‘Speedy Sid’, was dispatched to recover the individual and bring him to Sidmouth Beach, where he was sadly pronounced dead. The man, reportedly in his 80s, had been spotted on the rocks prior to the rescue. His family has been informed, and authorities have extended their condolences during this difficult time.
During the operation, the seafront was closed to ensure emergency crews could work efficiently without obstruction. Devon and Cornwall Police released a statement confirming the incident, noting that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A file is being prepared for the coroner.
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Exmouth Police expressed gratitude for the public’s understanding amid the necessary closures and the presence of emergency vehicles, including a Coastguard helicopter landing on the seafront.
This somber event has highlighted the challenges emergency responders face and the importance of swift action during incidents along the coastline.