An 11-year-old girl from South Devon has sadly lost her life in a devastating water incident at a scenic spot in Cornwall, marking the second such tragedy involving a child over the weekend.
Emergency crews rushed to Wacker Quay, a quiet inlet along the River Lynher near Torpoint, just after 6pm on Saturday, following reports of a person in distress in the water.
Despite urgent efforts by police, paramedics, and HM Coastguard teams, the girl was pulled from the river and pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed: “Her next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Popular Spot Turns Tragic
Wacker Quay, known for its peaceful charm and appeal to walkers, birdwatchers, and kayakers, became the site of a heart-wrenching tragedy as families enjoying the warm weekend were met with the heavy presence of emergency services.
The girl’s identity has not yet been made public, but her death has sent shockwaves through the South Devon community and beyond.
Another Young Life Lost the Same Weekend
In a separate and equally harrowing incident, a 12-year-old boy went missing while swimming in the River Swale, near Richmond Falls in North Yorkshire, on Saturday evening.
His body was recovered at 10:45pm. Although formal identification has not yet taken place, his family has been informed. Police have confirmed that: “The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
A Grim Reminder of Water Dangers
These back-to-back tragedies have sparked renewed calls for water safety awareness, especially during the summer months when families flock to rivers, lakes, and beaches to cool off.
Key safety tips include:
- Never swim in open water alone
- Check for warning signs and tide conditions
- Avoid jumping into unfamiliar waters
- Supervise children at all times
What should have been a joyful weekend of sunshine and outdoor fun has instead ended in deep sorrow for two families.
As investigations continue and communities grieve, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant around water, a powerful force that can turn perilous in an instant. For more updates on this developing story and others across the UK, stay with UK News Blog.
