Man and woman die after being swept into the sea by waves crashing into harbour wall

Two people have died after being swept into the sea by powerful waves crashing against a harbour wall.

RNLI crews recovered a man and a woman from the sea at Mullion Cove, near Helston, Cornwall, after being called out on Monday night.

They were transferred by helicopter to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where the woman, in her 20s, and the man, in his 40s, were confirmed dead.

Onlookers said the seas were very choppy and there were high winds at the time of the tragic incident.

Two RNLI lifeboats took part in the rescue operation and said the weather was at the “limit for the inshore lifeboat” with force six winds and a “heavy” four to five-metre swell.

A Penlee RNLI spokesman said: “The Lizard all-weather lifeboat and Penlee inshore lifeboat launched to reports of two people swept off the harbour wall into the water at Mullion Cove, making their way in rough sea conditions and strong winds.

“Due to the rough and dark conditions, the Lizard all-weather lifeboat then escorted Penlee inshore lifeboat back to Newlyn.

Read more: Keep people away from beaches until lifeguard patrols return, RNLI chief urges government

“Sadly, it has been confirmed that the two have since passed away, and our thoughts are with their family and friends.”

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “They were recovered from the water by the coastguard helicopter crew and taken to hospital.

“Sadly, they were both later confirmed deceased. Their next of kin have been informed.

“The deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner in due course.”

Watch: Can you catch coronavirus twice?