An inquest has revealed that emergency services were unable to rescue a woman who drowned after her head became trapped between two rocks, due to a lack of proper equipment. Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, died in February 2025 while walking her dog along the Esplanade in Lowestoft, Suffolk, when she became trapped between sea defence rocks.
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Lack of Equipment
Coastguard and ambulance crews arrived at the scene but reportedly made no attempt to rescue Cole-Nottage because they were not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Firefighter Jason Wilkins testified that the team could not save her as they 'had no equipment with them and it would go against their policy to go down without equipment.' According to the Daily Mail, four fire crews, 12 firefighters, and a specialist team were present at the scene.
Firefighter Believes Rescue Was Possible
Another firefighter, Ben Whale, told the inquest that he believed Cole-Nottage could have been saved despite the cold conditions. He described the rescue operation as 'not feeling quite right' and stated that the rescue would have been a 'simple manual manipulation.' A statement from Cole-Nottage's partner, Michael, thanked the emergency services for their efforts.
Communication Failures Identified
The inquest also highlighted communication failures. The ambulance call handler reportedly did not clearly indicate that fire crews were needed. Elizabeth Pardon, a crew commander for the fire service control room, said it was unclear whether their service was being requested. Another call handler, Megan Dunkley, stated it was unclear 'whether we were needed or requested by another agency.' The court heard that it had become standard practice for ambulance crews to alert the fire and rescue service of incidents they were attending, regardless of whether the fire brigade was required.
Timeline of Events
Firefighter Sebastian Harrod said fire crews arrived at 8:22 PM and performed CPR on the drowning woman within eight minutes. However, paramedics and police had already declared the incident a Recognition of Life Extinct (ROLE). Volunteer Coastguard Matthew Knight said he drove to the scene in a 'calmer manner' than he otherwise would have, believing it was too late to save her.
The inquest continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Saffron Cole-Nottage.
