Two holidaymakers from the same family are feared dead after being swept out to sea while fishing from rocks off the coast of Cornwall.
A major search resumed for one missing angler this morning after a 21-year-old man who was hauled from the water by coastguards was confirmed dead.
Coastguards say the two brothers were both fishing off rocks at Treyarnon Bay, Padstow, when the tragedy occurred.
Two holidaymakers from the same family are feared dead after being swept out to sea while fishing from rocks off the coast of Cornwall. Pictured, helicopters at the scene of the rescue today
The hunt for the second angler was suspended overnight as daylight faded, but resumed at 7am today.
It is understood that a third man who was fishing when the two brothers were swept into the sea was their step-father.
Witnesses first reported them missing at 2.35pm on Monday.
A short while later, one man was located in the water and pulled out by the coastguard helicopter.
A major search resumed for one missing angler this morning after a 21-year-old man who was hauled from the water by coastguards was confirmed dead
Coastguards say the two brothers, were both fishing off rocks at Treyarnon Bay, Padstow, when the tragedy occurred
He was transferred to hospital by air ambulance but pronounced dead.
James Instance, of Falmouth Coastguard, said: ‘Our understanding is they were down on holiday in Cornwall.
‘It’s a stark reminder of quite how powerful the sea is and how things can happen incredibly quickly.
‘There was a significant breaking wave in the area building during the course of the afternoon.
‘It may not have looked particularly rough but they were challenging conditions close in shore.’
Rescuers said they felt there was now very little chance of finding the second man alive.
Mr Instance said the search teams had night vision equipment available but the risk to the rescuers outweighed the hope of finding him in the dark.
The hunt for the second angler was suspended overnight as daylight faded, but resumed at 7am today
It is understood that a third man who was fishing when the two brothers were swept into the sea was their step-father
He added: ‘We would have searched throughout the night. If we felt there was any chance whatsoever of finding him we would have continued.
‘The helicopter was going across time after time, it was a very detailed search of the area. We were confident when we stood down the search that if the missing person had been on the surface we would have found him.
‘It is an unimaginable tragedy for those concerned. Our thoughts primarily are with the family.’
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘We were called to a report of two males having been washed in to the sea near Treyarnon Bay, north Cornwall. The males had been fishing off the rocks.
‘Following a search by the RNLI and HM Coastguard, a 21-year-old male was located and airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, where he was confirmed deceased. His next of kin have been informed.’
One witness said: ‘It was very wet and windy near the coastline, and there was a lot of activity going on, with the helicopter and lifeboats at sea, and a lot of people helping the search from the shoreline.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘We were called to a report of two males having been washed in to the sea near Treyarnon Bay, north Cornwall. The males had been fishing off the rocks.’ Pictured, the scene of the rescue yesterday
‘It did look as though the operation was being scaled back as the light faded.’
Witness to the attempted rescue have given dramatic accounts of the efforts made by emergency services to save the life of the 21-year-old after he was pulled from the water.
Trevor Milne, 33, an ice cream vendor, of Padstow, Cornwall, said: ‘It was horrendous. One of the lifeguards ran up and said that something was going on.
‘Then I saw the coastguard helicopter overhead. The lifeboat then came straight out and brought back with them a body and immediately started resuscitation.
‘They did it for what seemed like 20 minutes but it could have been more.
‘I have heard that they took the body in the air ambulance and he died later. But I would say when I saw him he looked like he had already gone.
‘He was unresponsive. The search for the second body continued. I heard it was two brothers and their step-dad and they were fishing.
Liz Tapper, an artist from Padstow, said: ‘I saw someone running up the beach with a body. It could have been two lifeguards carrying it.’ Pictured, the scene of the rescue yesterday
Trevor Milne, 33, an ice cream vendor, of Padstow, Cornwall, said: ‘It was horrendous. One of the lifeguards ran up and said that something was going on.’ Pictured, the scene of the rescue yesterday
‘It is so dark. I feel so terrible for the family. It is such a tragedy. The way everyone reacted though was great. It was all hands on deck.’
Liz Tapper, an artist from Padstow, said: ‘I saw someone running up the beach with a body. It could have been two lifeguards carrying it.
‘They ran up the beach and put him down and instantly started CPR. Before long lots of other people started appearing.
‘There were 12 coastguard vans in the end. They all seemed to know exactly what they were doing. There were also three lifeboats and the helicopter.
‘The next thing I saw was the helicopter go overhead. Then the lifeguards brought the body in on their dingy.
‘This morning I went over to thank the lifeguard for the hard work they do. They are invaluable.’