Man and son-in-law drown on fishing trip

A 68-year-old man and his son-in-law have been drowned while on a family fishing trip in Cornwall.

A 68-year-old man and his son-in-law have been drowned while on a family fishing trip in Cornwall.

The older man had been fishing from rocks at Porthcothan Bay, near Padstow. He fell into the sea while trying to retrieve a fishing rod and his son-in-law, aged 39, was swept away as he tried to rescue him.

Their wives, aged 63 and 38, were rescued from the scene by Royal Navy helicopters and the younger man's wife - who also went into the water to help - was airlifted to hospital suffering from hypothermia. The accident happened on Saturday evening as the group were fishing in the picturesque bay on the north Cornwall coast.

A Falmouth Coastguard spokesperson, Julia Gosling, said: "The conditions in the area at the time were very rough. There was a north-westerly wind gusting to force seven and heavy surf and a heavy swell."

The older man's body was recovered from the scene by helicopter and his son-in-law's body was found in the sea near Padstow yesterday. Police were not releasing the names of the men, who are believed to have been from north Devon, until next of kin have been informed.

Nick Walker, operating manager for Padstow lifeboat, said lifeguards were just leaving the beach when they realised what was going on and went to assist. He added: "It is a delightful spot but the seas were quite horrible at the time and this man could well have been caught by a rogue wave ... If you are in the way when it comes, a rogue wave will claim you. It is just bad luck and very tragic."