80-Year-Old Man Dies After Major Rescue at Sidmouth Beach, Devon

An 80-year-old man was found dead on the rocks at Big Picket Rock near Sidmouth Beach in Devon following a major rescue operation involving police, coastguard, lifeboat crews, a coastguard helicopter, and the South West Ambulance Service. The man was recovered by the Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat's 'Speedy Sid' inshore lifeboat and conveyed to Sidmouth beach, where he was pronounced dead. The incident caused short-term closures and obstructions on Sidmouth seafront to allow emergency services access. Authorities have informed the man's family and are preparing a file for the coroner, with the death not being treated as suspicious. The coordinated search and rescue effort highlighted the challenges of responding to emergencies in popular but rugged coastal areas. Officials expressed gratitude to the public for their patience during the emergency response.