A mother who became trapped head-first between boulders on a sea wall in Suffolk was told by 999 operators not to attempt a rescue before she drowned, an inquest has revealed.
Freak Accident at Lowestoft
Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, was walking her dog along the coast in Lowestoft with her daughter when she slipped and fell. She became wedged upside down between two massive boulders as the tide rapidly rose around her.
Horrified passers-by who discovered her desperately tried to help, but were instructed by emergency services not to intervene. The woman tragically died before professional rescuers could reach her.
Inquest Details
The inquest heard that the 999 call handlers explicitly told members of the public not to attempt to free the trapped mother, warning that any rescue attempt could be dangerous. However, by the time the coastguard and other emergency services arrived, the water had already engulfed her.
Witnesses described the heartbreaking scene, with one saying: "We just stood there watching helplessly as the water came in. It was devastating."
Community in Mourning
The incident has left the local community in shock. Friends and family have paid tribute to Saffron, describing her as a devoted mother and a beloved friend. A fundraising page has been set up to support her daughter.
The coroner has recorded a verdict of accidental death, and an investigation into the handling of the emergency call is ongoing.
