In a harrowing incident that unfolded on August 3, a child was swept into the sea at Ilfracombe Harbour during a high tide. The North Devon Council has issued cautionary alerts following the incident, emphasising the dangers of the seascape.
The incident occurred when a group of four children were playing on the pier slipway, an area notorious for its volatile sea conditions. A powerful wave struck one of the girls, knocking her off her feet and sweeping her between the railings and into the sea. Miraculously, her dire situation was averted by the quick response of two courageous members of the public who intervened just moments before 7pm.
Harbourmaster Georgina Carlo-Paat expressed her deep concern over the incident, stating, “This serves as a serious reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in and around the sea. The children were not only fortunate to escape more serious harm, but their actions also endangered their own lives and the lives of the quick-thinking individuals who came to their rescue.”
Carlo-Paat further elucidated the situation, highlighting the risky behavior displayed by the youths. “Despite being knocked off their feet on the slipway before the incident, the children persisted in running into the surging waves. The sea conditions were extremely unstable, underscoring the necessity for vigilance.”
Prompt intervention from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) proved critical in addressing the injuries sustained by the children. The RNLI, conducting an exercise in the outer harbour at the time, acted promptly to tend to their injuries and safely escort them back home.
The North Devon Council also took the opportunity to reiterate the hazards of tombstoning, an activity that involves jumping or diving into water from heights. The act is strictly prohibited at Ilfracombe Harbour and carries a substantial fine of £1,000. The council emphasised the importance of adhering to this bylaw to mitigate potential risks, including varying water depths, submerged objects, rocks, and strong currents.
