Duchy of Cornwall employee named as man swept out in Burnham-on-Sea
68-year-old Peter Jeffery has been named as the man who helped a woman and her dog in the water at Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset last weekend
Last updated 3rd Nov 2023
The man who has been missing since last Sunday afternoon, after getting swept out to sea in Somerset, has been named as 68-year-old Peter Jeffery from Bath.
In a loving tribute this evening, the Duchy of Cornwall employee's family have called him a person who 'always put others first before himself - in every aspect of his life'.
The search in Burnham-on-Sea has currently been suspended by the local coastguard team - but they add that the incident remains 'open'.
This weekend, the fireworks event which was meant to take place on Sunday has been postponed by the local town council, as a 'mark of respect' to the missing man.
He was an estate builder, based in Newton St Loe, and worked for the Duchy of Cornwall.
His family said: "It is with a great deal of sadness that Peter Jeffery RVM, our beloved Dad, Brother and Grampy, who after selflessly jumping into the sea at Burnham-on-Sea to help a woman and her dog who were in difficulty, is still missing.
"As with every aspect of his life, he always put others first before himself, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
"The family would like to thank everyone involved in the search; the RNLI, Coastguard, BARB Search & Rescue, Volunteers and Avon & Somerset police.
"We would also like to thank his many friends & work colleagues at the Duchy of Cornwall for their continued support and kindness. We respectfully ask for privacy at this sad time.”
A 'hard working and loyal' colleague
Alastair Martin, Secretary & Keeper of Records at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “Pete has been a hard-working and loyal colleague of the Duchy since 1981, making him an irreplaceable asset after 42 years of service. Frequently described as cheerful and caring, we know he will be deeply missed by colleagues and tenants alike, both of which he helped immeasurably with his positive and bright attitude to always go above and beyond.
"The Duchy will be continuing to support Pete’s family and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.”
A 'Good Samaritan'
In a post on Facebook earlier today, the Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team confirmed the case is still an open one - despite the search teams being called off earlier this week.
They said: "We were tasked with reports of a person who had entered the water to help their dog that was thought to be struggling in the current.
"Seeing the dog and owner in difficulty a good Samaritan jumped in to help.
"While the dog and the owner managed to get to safety, the man who had rushed to help was no longer in sight.
"Despite an extensive search led by our team and Senior Coastguard Officers that included, multiple Coastguard Rescue Teams, Two Coastguard helicopters, BARB Hovercraft and Lifeboats from Burnham and Weston, Police and the Police helicopter, nothing was found.
"After three days the search was suspended but the incident remains open.
"It's human nature to want to help those in difficulty but sadly a high number of those who enter the water to help others become the casualty, even more so in the colder months of the year.
"We thank all the teams involved with this difficult incident and of course our amazing community for the support shown and the fantastic people who provided us with refreshments to keep us all going."
In a coastal emergency, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Read more: Fireworks postponed in Burnham-on-Sea in respect of missing man