Two men have died after entering the water to rescue two children on a beach in Hartlepool, north-east England. The children survived and were taken to hospital, while the rescuers were pulled from the sea but could not be revived.
Police were called to Seaton Carew beach on Sunday afternoon following reports of two children in danger. Rescue teams, including Royal Navy medics and the coastguard, were dispatched to the scene. Before official help arrived, two men had already waded into the water to try to save the youngsters.
The men were later extracted from the sea by emergency responders, but despite immediate medical efforts, they were pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The children were taken to a local hospital for checks and are now safe.
Heroic but tragic intervention
– We extend our most sincere condolences to the families of both men who were involved in this tragic incident. Despite all the efforts of the emergency services, unfortunately, the deaths of both men were confirmed shortly after they were recovered from the sea – said Superintendent Glen Ward of Cleveland Police, as quoted by The Guardian.
Ward added that while the circumstances of the deaths are not suspicious, a file will be prepared for the coroner, and the families have been offered specialist support. Local politicians also expressed their grief. Jonathan Brash, Labour MP for Hartlepool, described the event as a heartbreaking tragedy.
– My thoughts are with the families of the men who lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this truly tragic incident – said Matt Vickers, Conservative MP.
Police warn of open water risks
– I want to remind everyone that open water involves serious risk. We know that during hot weather it can be tempting, but we encourage people to refrain from entering open water. Today we unfortunately witnessed a real tragedy that can occur as a result. Please be particularly cautious and enjoy the warm weather in the safest possible way – added Superintendent Ward.
The Guardian reported that in the UK there have been seven water-related deaths in June and 15 in May. Last Friday, two 18-year-olds also died in separate incidents. The latest tragedy in Hartlepool has reignited calls for greater public awareness about the dangers of swimming in unsupervised waters, especially during summer heatwaves.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. Polsat News
