Menu
09/02/2004
Five arrested following deaths of cockle pickers
Five people have been arrested by police investigating the deaths of 19 cockle pickers who drowned in Morecambe Bay last week.
Nineteen people – 17 men and two women – drowned in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, after being trapped by rising tides while out picking cockles on Thursday evening.
The five, three men and two women, were arrested by police in Liverpool yesterday on suspicion of manslaughter. The BBC has reported that those arrested were among the 16 survivors of the tragedy.
Detectives have said that they expect to make further searches and arrests in the coming days.
The 35-strong group of cockle pickers, Chinese men and women who are not thought to be English speakers, went onto the bay at around 3pm on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called in at around 9.10pm after a member of the public spotted a number of people in difficulty in the Hest Bank area of the bay. The conditions were treacherous and rescuers had to battle against two metre high waves and gale force six winds during the operation.
One of the rescuers described it as the worst tragedy he had witnessed in 25 years of service.
Morecambe Bay is notorious among locals for its perilous rip tide. Two months previously, a group of cockle pickers had to be rescued from the same area.
(gmcg)
Nineteen people – 17 men and two women – drowned in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, after being trapped by rising tides while out picking cockles on Thursday evening.
The five, three men and two women, were arrested by police in Liverpool yesterday on suspicion of manslaughter. The BBC has reported that those arrested were among the 16 survivors of the tragedy.
Detectives have said that they expect to make further searches and arrests in the coming days.
The 35-strong group of cockle pickers, Chinese men and women who are not thought to be English speakers, went onto the bay at around 3pm on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called in at around 9.10pm after a member of the public spotted a number of people in difficulty in the Hest Bank area of the bay. The conditions were treacherous and rescuers had to battle against two metre high waves and gale force six winds during the operation.
One of the rescuers described it as the worst tragedy he had witnessed in 25 years of service.
Morecambe Bay is notorious among locals for its perilous rip tide. Two months previously, a group of cockle pickers had to be rescued from the same area.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 February 2004
Cockle pickers drown in Morecambe Bay
At least eighteen people are feared to have drowned in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, after being trapped by rising tides while out picking cockles. Emergency services were called in at around 9.10pm last night after a member of the public spotted a number of people in difficulty in the Hest Bank area of the bay.
Cockle pickers drown in Morecambe Bay
At least eighteen people are feared to have drowned in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, after being trapped by rising tides while out picking cockles. Emergency services were called in at around 9.10pm last night after a member of the public spotted a number of people in difficulty in the Hest Bank area of the bay.
04 May 2004
Body washed up on beach may be cockler
A badly decomposed body discovered on a beach in Morecambe Bay in Lancashire may be that of another drowned cockler. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the body washed up near Bolton-le-Sands may be that of another cockler drowned in February's tragedy when a party of Chinese cockle pickers were trapped on the sands by a rising tide.
Body washed up on beach may be cockler
A badly decomposed body discovered on a beach in Morecambe Bay in Lancashire may be that of another drowned cockler. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the body washed up near Bolton-le-Sands may be that of another cockler drowned in February's tragedy when a party of Chinese cockle pickers were trapped on the sands by a rising tide.
09 July 2004
Two charged in connection with Morecombe Bay deaths
Two more people have been charged in relation to the Morecambe Bay tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 Chinese cocklers in February.
Two charged in connection with Morecombe Bay deaths
Two more people have been charged in relation to the Morecambe Bay tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 Chinese cocklers in February.
07 July 2004
Cockle pickers among injured in road crash
At least 15 cockle pickers have been taken to hospital following a road crash in Liverpool today. Two other people were injured in the crash which saw a minibus collide with a lorry on the Balliol Road in Bootle shortly before 5am. Four of those injured, two of whom are in a serious condition, have been taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
Cockle pickers among injured in road crash
At least 15 cockle pickers have been taken to hospital following a road crash in Liverpool today. Two other people were injured in the crash which saw a minibus collide with a lorry on the Balliol Road in Bootle shortly before 5am. Four of those injured, two of whom are in a serious condition, have been taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
07 May 2004
Morecambe Bay body confirmed as cockle picker
Police have confirmed today that a badly decomposed body discovered on a beach in Morecambe Bay in Lancashire this week is that of another cockle picker drowned in February's tragedy. The body washed up near Bolton-le-Sands bringing the total number of deaths in February's tragedy to 21.
Morecambe Bay body confirmed as cockle picker
Police have confirmed today that a badly decomposed body discovered on a beach in Morecambe Bay in Lancashire this week is that of another cockle picker drowned in February's tragedy. The body washed up near Bolton-le-Sands bringing the total number of deaths in February's tragedy to 21.
-
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.
