Our thoughts are with his family and friendsOlivier Vergnault Senior Reporter and Pete Gavan Senior Editor
14:50, 17 Aug 2025Updated 15:42, 17 Aug 2025
Wacker Quay near Antony in the Tamar Valley (Image: Flickr)
A tragic incident unfolded at a beauty spot in Cornwall, resulting in the death of a child. Devon & Cornwall Police confirmed that a child, understood to be an 11-year-old girl from South Devon, lost their life at Wacker Quay at Antony, near Torpoint yesterday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 6pm. An eyewitness who contacted Cornwall Live last night described a scene of intense activity, with police, ambulances, the Plymouth coastguard search and rescue team, the Cornwall Air Ambulance, and the HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter all present.
He stated: “I saw several fire engines and vans, police cars and several coastguard vehicles and what appeared to be ribs being launched on the water. Later we saw a helicopter going over. You couldn’t see the incident as you can’t see the water from the road but there was plenty of activity.”
Wacker Quay is part of the Tamar Valley landscape and offers free public access to the River Lynher.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the details of the incident and said the child is a girl aged 11 from the South Devon area. They said: “An 11-year-old girl, from the South Devon area, was recovered and given emergency treatment but was sadly confirmed deceased at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
According to the Tamar Valley National Landscape website, Wacker Quay offers “stunning views and free public access to the River Lynher”. The location is popular with ramblers and fishing enthusiasts, whilst visitors can also enjoy paddling, canoeing and kayaking along the waterway depending on tidal conditions.
The tragic incident occurred as the mercury climbed across Britain this weekend, with temperatures reaching 30C in parts of southern England. Sunday is forecast to bring another dry and “very warm” day with brilliant sunshine for most areas, whilst temperatures are expected to remain in the twenties throughout the week.