Man dies after being hit by wave in Blackpool, England

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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Blackpool's promenade, showing the treacherous sea conditions and the steps in the Cocker Square area.
Image: Dr. Neil Clifton.

A man has died after he was hit by a large wave and swept out to sea in Blackpool, England. The 44-year-old victim was reportedly stood on the steps near to Cocker Square when he was hit by the wave. Witnesses looked on as the man was swept out to sea.

Watch manager Su Daintith released a statement confirming the death of the individual. "The man we believe was about to enter the water at the bottom of the sea wall steps when he was swept off without any warning by a large wave which was a result of the overnight weather conditions," they said. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this tragic time."

RNLI lifeboats, coastguard officers and the RAF received reports of a man in the sea around lunchtime. A lifeboat crew managed to retrieve him from the water, and he was transported by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.


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