A tragic inquest has heard how a 32-year-old mother-of-three drowned after becoming trapped between giant boulders in a sea defence wall, with witnesses describing the wait for emergency services as feeling like 'an eternity'. Saffron Cole-Nottage slipped and fell while walking her dog with her daughter along the Esplanade in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in February 2025, becoming stuck head-down as the tide rose.
Delayed Emergency Response
Suffolk Coroner’s Court was told that an initial 999 call was made at 7:52pm, but the fire service was not mobilised until 8:10pm—an 18-minute delay. By the time rescue crews freed Ms Cole-Nottage, she was unresponsive. Area Coroner Darren Stewart OBE stated the hearing, expected to conclude on May 15, will examine the emergency services' response and prioritisation decisions.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses recalled the desperate efforts of passers-by who heard screams and tried to free Ms Cole-Nottage. One man described seeing her legs protruding from the rocks after she fell head-first between boulders. Despite the efforts of several people, they could not pull her free. Another witness noted the moment she became unresponsive as the tide came in. A third said it 'felt like an eternity' for help to arrive.
Tragic Circumstances
Ms Cole-Nottage’s 11-year-old daughter, who was walking with her, also tried to help alongside the men. Friends described the conditions on the coastal path as like an 'ice rink' due to a sudden temperature drop. One friend expressed disbelief, noting the freak nature of the accident. The inquest continues.
