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 save the person and bring them back to the beach.
Sadly, the man was pronounced dead after being recovered by emergency crews.
His family have been informed of the tragedy.
The beach was closed off while emergency services raced to save the man from the rocks.
A coastguard helicopter was deployed as part of the huge rescue operation.
Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious, a file is being prepared for HM coroner.
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.”
The man was recovered by a lifeboat crew but tragically pronounced dead shortly after[/caption]
