Man in his 70s dies in the sea at National Fireworks championships – UK’s 25th drowning this summer
A man in his 70s sadly died during the National Fireworks championships last night after he was found struggling in the sea.
Police confirmed that a woman was also pulled to safety in the rescue effort at Sutton Harbour in Plymouth, Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police received reports of people in the water and in distress – they attended the scene alongside the coastguard.
Members of the public managed to pull the man and the woman out of the water at around 11pm.
They performed CPR on the man, from Kingsbridge, but were unable to save him.
A man in his 70s sadly died during the National Fireworks championships in Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, last night after he was found struggling in the sea
Devon and Cornwall Police received reports of people in the water and in distress – they attended the scene alongside the coastguard
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Despite the best efforts by all at the scene, the man who was in his 70s and from the Kingsbridge area, was declared deceased at the scene.
‘This death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is to be prepared for the coroner.’
His next of kin have been informed.
One woman was taken to hospital as a precaution – it is understood that she will make a full recovery.
The incident is also being referred to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch.
The man’s death comes just four days after a double tragedy in which a teenage boy died in the sea at Skegness, Lincolnshire, and a 21-year-old man drowned in a lake at Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
A 14-year old girl was also found drowned in a waterway in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, on Monday.
In all, it brings the UK’s drowning death toll this summer to 25.
A ttal of 25 people have died in drowning incidents across Britain this summer
A marine accident investigation has been launched into the incident at Sutton Harbour, alongside the police investigation.
A large number of police, ambulance and coastguard vehicles were spotted at the scene.
A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesman said: ‘Units attended along with Coastguard Search and Rescue.
‘By the time emergency services had arrived, two people were out of the water thanks to the swift action of the public who were also undertaking CPR on an unconscious man.
‘Despite the best efforts of all at the scene, the man who was in his 70s and from the Kingsbridge area, was declared deceased at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
Members of the public managed to pull the man and the woman out of the water at around 11pm. They performed CPR on the man, from Kingsbridge, but were unable to save him
‘One woman was taken to hospital as a precaution and should make a full recovery. This death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is to be prepared for the coroner.’
The two people are thought to have been on a boat before ending up in the harbour.
The incident happened as the third firework display was coming to an end. It is not yet known if the incidents are definitely linked.
It is the 25th anniversary of the championships in the city. The massive displays are set off from the Mount Batter pier across Plymouth Sound with thousands of people looking on.
It is a two night competition with teams competing from around the country and the second night is due tonight.
