A 60-year-old man has died after falling into the sea as he tried to save his son in north Cornwall.

His son, 27, fell into the sea as they fished from the beach at Tregardock near Delabole on Sunday morning.

The father threw him a lifebelt, but as he was pulling him to safety, another wave washed him into the sea, said coastguards.

Both men were picked up by a lifeboat but the father was later pronounced dead.

His son was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske. His condition is unknown.

‘Tragic incident’

Devon and Cornwall Police said the men, who were from Cornwall, were visiting family in the area.

“The two men were in the water for about 30 minutes before being rescued,” a spokesman said.

“This is a tragic incident with the quick actions of the father saving his son.”

Police said immediate next of kin had been informed and the incident would be referred to the coroner.

The force said they had been alerted by the coastguard shortly after 08:30 on Sunday morning.

BBC