Tombstoning teenager saved after getting swept into the sea by a wave

A tombstoning teenager has been saved by HM Coastguard and the RNLI after getting swept into the water by a wave at Baggy Point, North Devon.

Just after 8pm yesterday HM Coastguard received a desperate 999 call from one of the teenager’s friends reporting that he was in serious trouble.

Croyde Coastguard Rescue Team, Appledore RNLI Lifeboats and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at St Athan were sent to the scene.  HM Coastguard Maritime Operations Officers at Falmouth managed to convince the teenager’s friends who made the 999 call not to go into the water and try help rescue him but to wait for the HM Coastguard to arrive.

The 14 year old boy eventually managed to grab hold of some rocks and climb a short distance up the cliff but was in danger by the waves crashing over him.

The location was difficult to access due to the overhanging rocks and it took some careful manoeuvring by all of helicopter crew to reach the teenager and airlift him to safety at the top of the cliff.  He was later flown to North Devon Hospital for treatment for minor lacerations. 

Steve Mann, Duty Controller for HM Coastguard said:  ‘This young lad had a very lucky escape – the alternative ending doesn’t bear thinking about. Tombstoning into the sea from rocks, piers or other structures can be extremely dangerous and always carries great risk. In this case the young lad went under the water quite a few times and was in danger of being swept out to sea.  The depth of water can dramatically change with the tide and what was a deep pool at lunchtime might be a shallow puddle by teatime.  You also don’t know what hazards may be lurking under the surface until you are hurt or worse.  The shock of cold water may make it difficult to swim to safety and strong currents can quickly sweep people away. If you do want to jump from height into the sea we would advise people join a coasteering group with a professional and reputable adventure centre.’

As ever, our message is, ‘Keep safe, but if you see anybody in trouble or if you get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard’.


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