Man pulled from sewage tank in Falmouth dies

A man who was found in a filtration tank at a sewage treatment plant has died.

Emergency services were called to Falmouth Docks in Cornwall after Robert Geach was discovered in the tank at South West Water premises.

Ambulance staff also attended the incident, on 30 December, and attempted to resuscitate Mr Geach.

The 54-year-old, from Falmouth, was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, where he was later pronounced dead.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Next of kin have been informed.

"A joint investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police and the Health and Safety Executive has commenced, and HM Coroner has been informed."

His widow, Sylvia Geach, told the West Briton that her husband had worked for South West Water for more than 20 years.

"We are all absolutely devastated and we await news," Mrs Geach told the paper.

"He was very popular with his work mates, he was popular with his friends.

"He was loved by his colleagues and obviously he was very, very loved by his family."

A spokeswoman for South West Water said: "South West Water regrets to confirm that an employee died at Falmouth Sewage Treatment Works on Monday 30 December.

"Our thoughts are with the employee's family and friends at this very difficult time.

"South West Water will be working with the relevant authorities, including the Health and Safety Executive, to investigate the incident and it would be inappropriate to comment further while this investigation is ongoing."

A spokesman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "HSE are investigating the incident. It is a joint investigation with Devon and Cornwall Police, who are leading the inquiries."