On a sunny August Sunday in 1998, what began as a typical day at Paignton Beach in Devon swiftly descended into chaos. Between 800 and 1,000 people suffered cuts and injuries after stepping on razor-sharp shells exposed by an unusually low tide, turning the sea red and sparking panic among holidaymakers and locals alike.
The normally lively beach, filled with laughter and the sounds of waves, was quickly overwhelmed by scenes described by eyewitnesses as akin to the movie “Jaws.” Bloodied feet and frantic crowds fleeing the water sent emergency services into a rapid, large-scale response. Police patrolled the coastline from Preston to Goodrington, urgently evacuating swimmers and securing the area.
First aid teams on Paignton Green were inundated with injured beachgoers, many seeking treatment for painful cuts sustained in the shallows. Thirty people with more severe wounds were rushed to Torbay Hospital, where a section of A&E was dedicated to handling the influx. Most victims, including many children, suffered minor injuries, but the scale and speed of the incident were unprecedented.
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Local officials and emergency responders quickly identified the cause: razor fish shells hidden beneath the sand, revealed by the extreme low tide. Former Torbay MP Adrian Sanders captured the mood, recalling, “It was like a scene from Jaws as the police cleared the sea of people.” Beach manager Brian Pearce described the situation as unlike anything he had ever witnessed, hoping it would never be repeated.
Emergency services worked seamlessly amidst the turmoil, with ambulances, paramedics, the Devon Air Ambulance, and volunteer organisations like the Red Cross and St John Ambulance joining forces. Paignton Green was transformed into a makeshift field hospital, and authorities issued warnings and distributed leaflets to prevent further injuries.
Among the injured were young children, including 11-year-old Lana McAreavey, who struggled to wear shoes after stepping on a shell, and 10-year-olds Sarah Richards and Charlotte Mills, both requiring stitches for their wounds. Their stories reflect the sudden and unexpected horror that unfolded at what should have been a safe family destination.
The incident left a lasting impression on the community and highlighted the dangers concealed beneath the sea’s surface. Torbay Council responded swiftly with safety warnings and measures, while local shops saw a surge in demand for protective footwear.
This terrifying day stands as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable hazards and the resilience of emergency services in protecting the public during unforeseen crises.