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29/08/2003
Postmortem on Dorset sea rescue tragedy victim
UPDATED: A postmortem examination is to be carried out on the man who died after an attempt to rescue a seven-year-old boy from rough seas off Chesil Beach in Dorset coast went tragically wrong.
The would-be rescuer, a 35-year-old man from Blackpool in Lancashire, who is reported to have been fully clothed, got into difficulties in the water as he attempted to help a lifeguard to reach the boy who had been swept out to sea by large waves.
The seven-year-old boy from Stroud in Gloucestershire is understood to have been playing in the water with his 11-year-old-sister when he got into trouble at around 11am on Thursday morning.
The boy was eventually rescued from the sea by the 22-year-old lifeguard. Initially taken to Dorset County Hospital, the boy was transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he is in a critical condition.
A coastguard helicopter and lifeboats were called in to assist in the rescue operation. The man was rescued by a lifeboat crew, but later died in hospital.
Sea conditions at the time were described as “rough” with a strong wind that whipped up high waves which hampered rescue attempts from the shore.
The boy’s mother and a lifeguard who had also attempted to reach the boy were also taken to hospital for treatment where they were treated for minor injuries.
Dorset Police who described the incident as “tragic” have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
The dead man was later named as Michael Beatwell (35) from Poulton-le-Fylde.
(SP)
The would-be rescuer, a 35-year-old man from Blackpool in Lancashire, who is reported to have been fully clothed, got into difficulties in the water as he attempted to help a lifeguard to reach the boy who had been swept out to sea by large waves.
The seven-year-old boy from Stroud in Gloucestershire is understood to have been playing in the water with his 11-year-old-sister when he got into trouble at around 11am on Thursday morning.
The boy was eventually rescued from the sea by the 22-year-old lifeguard. Initially taken to Dorset County Hospital, the boy was transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he is in a critical condition.
A coastguard helicopter and lifeboats were called in to assist in the rescue operation. The man was rescued by a lifeboat crew, but later died in hospital.
Sea conditions at the time were described as “rough” with a strong wind that whipped up high waves which hampered rescue attempts from the shore.
The boy’s mother and a lifeguard who had also attempted to reach the boy were also taken to hospital for treatment where they were treated for minor injuries.
Dorset Police who described the incident as “tragic” have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
The dead man was later named as Michael Beatwell (35) from Poulton-le-Fylde.
(SP)
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Coastguard Warning Over Drunk Man's Sea Rescue
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Divers continue search for Dorset boys
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Divers continue search for Dorset boys
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02 September 2003
Boy rescued from sea dies
The seven-year-old boy rescued after being swept away by rough seas while playing on a Dorset beach last week has died in his mother’s arms. Jack Shelton from Briscombe near Stroud in Gloucestershire had been paddling at the water's edge with his 11-year-old-sister when he got into trouble at around 11am last Thursday.
Boy rescued from sea dies
The seven-year-old boy rescued after being swept away by rough seas while playing on a Dorset beach last week has died in his mother’s arms. Jack Shelton from Briscombe near Stroud in Gloucestershire had been paddling at the water's edge with his 11-year-old-sister when he got into trouble at around 11am last Thursday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
