UK: Girl swept away by ocean currents while playing with friends near waterfront in Devon
PTC News Desk: A viral video from the coastal town of Ilfracombe, Devon, depicts a harrowing incident where a girl was swept away by a powerful wave during high tide. The footage captures the moment a group of children were playing on the pier slipway when an unexpectedly forceful wave knocked the girl off balance and carried her through railings into the sea.
Sea conditions can be changeable and volatile, so please be mindful along the coast.
This incident took place at Ilfracombe Harbour on Thursday evening and could have been much more serious were it not for quick-thinking members of the public. pic.twitter.com/TA7r9Itz83
— North Devon Council (@ndevoncouncil) August 8, 2023
Quick-thinking bystanders, along with the help of a courageous individual, managed to rescue the girl from the treacherous currents. The North Devon Council shared the video on social media along with a stern warning, emphasising the unpredictability of sea conditions during high tide and urging caution.
The incident occurred on the evening of August 3rd, just before 7 pm. Fortunately, the individuals involved sustained minor injuries, which were attended to by the Ilfracombe RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). The council stressed the dangerous nature of activities like tombstoning and playing around slipways, urging the public to prioritize safety.
Harbourmaster Georgina Carlo-Paat expressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the risks posed by high-risk activities near the harbor. She underscored the fortunate outcome that resulted from quick intervention and the importance of heeding safety warnings, particularly in volatile sea conditions.
- With inputs from agencies
