Teenager's Risky Selfie Attempt During Storm Ingrid Sparks Safety Concerns
This is the dramatic moment a teenage girl narrowly avoided being swept out to sea while attempting to take a selfie on a harbour wall during Storm Ingrid. The footage, captured by a shocked bystander in Paignton, Devon, shows the youngster walking right to the edge of the wall as powerful waves crash over the side.
A Perilous Pursuit for the Perfect Picture
The video reveals the girl crouching down dangerously close to the water's edge before being suddenly submerged by a violent wave, prompting a scream as she runs for cover. Undeterred by the clear danger, she returns to the precarious position for another attempt at capturing a dramatic selfie. In a further display of recklessness, the teenager even removes her coat and enters the water for a third try, where she is completely drenched by a wave that almost knocks her off balance. Finally recognising the extreme peril she was facing, she climbs out of the sea and leaves the harbour area.
Storm Ingrid's Widespread Impact Across Devon
The incident occurred as Storm Ingrid continues to batter south-west Britain with 60mph gusts, causing significant disruption across the region. The storm has activated multiple flood alerts and led to rail line shutdowns, wreaking havoc throughout the South West. In a particularly striking example of the storm's destructive power, huge chunks of the historic Teignmouth Grand Pier, originally built in 1865, were washed away after being pounded by strong waves and heavy rain throughout Friday night.
Social Media Reaction and Calls for Safety Education
The viral video of the teenager's dangerous selfie attempts has prompted strong reactions on social media, with many users calling for better education for young people about the dangers of the sea. Jenny Brennand commented: 'These kids have obviously never been taught about the force of nature. The force of water is unforgiving and they would expect others to risk their lives if they had been pulled in and out to sea.'
Other commenters revealed that tragedies have occurred at that very location in the past. Kaz Faiers shared: 'I lost a very good friend in Paignton to the sea back in the 70's. Just watch from a safe distance, don't risk your life.' Roger Simonite added: '50 years ago I lost a school friend, who got washed over Paignton harbour wall into the raging sea, his life was snatched away, nature needs to be respected.'
Further Weather Warnings and Forecast Disruption
Forecasters have issued additional warnings about continuing unsettled weather patterns. The Met Office has announced a yellow warning for rain covering large parts of southwest England and south Wales from 6pm on Monday to 2pm on Tuesday. Meteorologist Tom Morgan explained: 'Generally, it's a bit of a mixed picture through the next few days. We've got a strong jet stream powering across the north Atlantic, fuelled by a big temperature contrast across north America. As it comes across the Atlantic, it gets stormy across the UK. So, unfortunately, the weather is looking very much unsettled right the way across the coming week.'
Mr Morgan warned that high winds could cause further travel disruption and flooding in the week ahead, with Tuesday likely to be particularly blustery and wet. He added: 'There is also a small chance we will see some disruptive snow, mainly across the higher ground of northern England and Scotland on Tuesday, and so, locally, if you are travelling highland routes, that could also be problematic with snow falling.'
Tragic Context of Recent Sea Incidents
This dangerous incident follows a recent tragedy off Withernsea, East Yorkshire, earlier this month where three people lost their lives. Fifteen-year-old Grace Keeling was swept out to sea while watching a wave, with her mother Sarah Keeling, 45, and passerby Mark Ratcliffe, 67, both dying while attempting to rescue her. These consecutive incidents highlight the critical importance of respecting coastal conditions and maintaining safe distances from dangerous waters during stormy weather.
