Police confirm death of swimmer reported missing off coast of west Cornwall
The man in his 50s was pulled from the water near Gwithian on Monday evening but, tragically, could not be saved
A swimmer, who was reported missing of the coast of west Cornwall, has died.
Rescuers rushed to Gwithian beach near Hayle on Monday evening (21st June), to reports a man had failed to return to shore.
The casualty in his 50s was recovered from the water by the St Ives lifeboat but, tragically, could not be saved.
The St Ives and Portreath Coastguard Rescue Teams, a Coastguard helicopter from Newquay, police, paramedics and the Cornwall Air Ambulance were also involved.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police received a report at around 9.30pm yesterday evening, Monday 21 June, that a male swimmer hadn’t returned to shore at Gwithian beach.
"Sadly, a man in his 50s was pronounced deceased after being brought ashore by the lifeboat.
"His next-of-kin have been informed".
Posting on Facebook, St Ives Lifeboat said: "It was 21.14pm when the pagers sounded yesterday evening. Our crews quickly made their way to the station in response where both our inshore and all weather lifeboats were launched quickly.
"Falmouth Coastguard had received reports of a missing swimmer in the Riviera Towans area.
"Both volunteer crews quickly got underway to perform a full search of the area.
"Working with the coastguard, cliff rescue and search and rescue helicopters the crew located the casualty quickly.
"A crew member immediately entered the water in order to bring the casualty onboard the lifeboat.
"Crew members and a paramedic who'd been winched down to the lifeboat began casualty care onboard the all weather lifeboat.
"Despite everyone's very best efforts sadly the casualty was unresponsive".
Coxswain Rob Cocking said: "Obviously, all of our thoughts are with the family and friends of the casualty at this time".