Shropshire angler dies after being swept off rocks in Cornwall

An angler from Shropshire has died after being swept out to sea while on holiday in Cornwall.

The 62-year-old man from the Ludlow area was caught by a wave and swept into the sea.

The man, who has not been named, was fishing with a friend off rocks at Trebarwith Strand, near Tintagel, on the north coast of Cornwall, when the accident happened.

His friend tried to help by throwing a life buoy out towards him, but he was unable to reach it. The friend then called the police.

The Port Isaac inshore lifeboat was launched and cliff rescue teams from Boscastle and Port Isaac were also called at about 2pm on Tuesday.

The man was pulled from the sea by the crew of a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. But despite efforts to revive him, the man was declared dead at hospital.

A spokesman for Devon & Cornwall Police said: "He was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske near Truro but sadly was found to be dead on arrival."

Devon & Cornwall Police officers are working with the coastguard to investigate what happened, and the man's death has been reported to the local coroner.

Neil Oliver, watch manager at Falmouth Coastguard, said: "He was washed off the rocks and his friend made every effort to save him. We advise anglers who are fishing near the water's edge and from an unstable platform, such as rocks, should wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid.

"If you are undertaking activities at the coast, it is advisable to have a means of communication."