TRAGEDY END Heroic Rescue Ends in Tragedy: Two Men Die Saving Children at Seaton Carew

Two men have died after entering the sea to rescue two children who got into difficulty off Seaton Carew beach in a tragic incident on Sunday afternoon.

A major multi-agency rescue operation was launched at around 3.45pm on Sunday, 12 July, after reports that two children were in trouble in the water at the popular Teesside beach.

Emergency services, including Cleveland Police, the RNLI, HM Coastguard, the North East Ambulance Service, specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) crews and the Great North Air Ambulance Service, rushed to the scene.

Heroic rescue ends in tragedy

Police said the two men entered the water to help the children, who were successfully rescued, brought safely ashore and taken to hospital as a precaution.

Both children are understood to be safe.

The two men were later recovered from the sea by RNLI crews and received immediate treatment from paramedics on the beach.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, both men were pronounced dead a short time later.

Their identities have not yet been formally released.

Families supported

Specially trained officers are supporting the families of the two men.

Superintendent Glen Ward, of Cleveland Police, said:

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, sadly both men were pronounced dead a short time after being brought out of the sea.

“We are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of what happened today, although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.

“I would like to remind everyone that open water comes with serious risks. We know it is inviting in the hot weather, but we would encourage people to refrain from entering any open water at all.

“Today we have sadly seen the true tragedy that can happen as a result.

“Please take extra care and enjoy the warm weather as safely as possible.”

Major emergency response

The North East Ambulance Service confirmed it dispatched:

• Three ambulance crews
• A clinical team leader
• A duty officer
• Three Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) crews

The service also requested assistance from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

Two patients were transported to the University Hospital of North Tees for further assessment and treatment.

Witnesses described seeing the Coastguard rescue helicopter hovering over the beach while RNLI lifeboats searched the water. Large crowds gathered along the promenade as emergency crews battled to save the two men.

Investigation underway

Cleveland Police have confirmed the deaths are not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the incident remain ongoing.