Urgent appeal after report of woman failing to surface after entering sea in Cornwall
Police are trying to identify and trace the woman after the incident near Perranporth on Saturday
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
Police are trying to identify and trace a woman who reportedly failed to resurface after going into the sea in Cornwall.
The incident happened at Perran Sands beach near Perranporth on Saturday afternoon (7th August).
Officers say one possibility is the woman made it out of the water unharmed and did not realise anything had been reported.
However, witnesses described her as diving under a wave and not coming up to the surface.
The woman, described as being in her 40s or 50s and wearing a short black dress, is believed to be local after telling lifeguards she is a regular swimmer in the area.
Devon & Cornwall Police have been carrying out searches across the weekend, after initially being alerted by HM Coastguard, and are now urging anyone with any information to call 101.
Police said: "Police are appealing for witnesses to a report from coastguard of a female swimmer failing to surface after entering the sea.
"The incident occurred at approximately 1335pm Saturday 7th August on Perran Sands Beach, near Perranporth.
"A search of the coastline will resume this afternoon.
"Description is a white female in her 40s or 50s, slim build with dark shoulder length hair, wearing a short black dress. She is believed to be local because she informed lifeguards she is a regular swimmer in these waters.
"Police are asking for any information which may assist with the identity or potentially the whereabouts of this female.
"One possible outcome is that she may have got out of the water unharmed and is unaware this has been reported. However, witnesses have described her diving under a wave and not coming back to the surface.
"If you are able to provide any information please call 101 and quote log number 585 070821".