Two people have died after being swept into the sea from a harbour wall in west Cornwall, police have said.
The man and woman were plucked from choppy seas at Mullion Cove after an emergency call-out on Monday night.
A reminder. Please take care at the coast in high seas https://t.co/Jj12hFj5QP
— Coble and Keelboat Society (@coble_and_keel) November 3, 2020
A coastguard helicopter transferred them to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where the woman in her 20s and the man in his 40s were both confirmed dead, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Their next of kin had been informed, officers added.
Two RNLI lifeboats, the Mullion coastguard team and the coastguard helicopter raced to rescue the two people after the alarm was raised at about 18:45 GMT.
Eyewitness Bina Fellowes said the operation was "quite a chilling experience to witness", as it was carried out in "high winds, and the sea was really choppy".
She said: "You could see the helicopter hovering and lighting up the harbour. The lifeboats were in treacherous conditions.
"I've the ultimate respect for the lifeboats because it's really rocky around there and you need to know where the rocks are.
"I've never experienced anything like it before".
One lifeboat crew said the operation was carried in conditions that were "at the limit" for the vessel.
The Penlee Lifeboat said on Facebook its vessel - an Atlantic 85 called 'The Mollie & Ivor Dent' - dealt with west-south-west force six winds and a "heavy" 4-5m swell, which were "at the limit for the inshore lifeboat".
Devon and Cornwall Police said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious and a file would be prepared for the coroner.
Latest Stories
-
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
5 mins -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
11 mins -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
16 mins -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
23 mins -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
28 mins -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
34 mins -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
39 mins -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
49 mins -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
1 hour -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
1 hour -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
2 hours -
NDC government will establish a Women’s Development Bank – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
2 hours -
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
2 hours -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
2 hours -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
2 hours