Mum died trapped head-first between rocks as tide rose after possible delay in scrambling firefighters, inquest told
A MUM died trapped head-first between rocks as the tide rose after a possible delay in sending firefighters, an inquest heard.
Saffron Cole-Nottage was walking with her dog and daughter on a path at the base of the sea wall in Lowestoft, Suffolk, when the horror unfolded.
The 32-year-old lost her footing, with her head becoming trapped between giant boulders as the tide rose on February 2.
Saffron screamed for help as her daughter and passers-by frantically attempted to free the mum-of-three.
A pre-inquest review heard Saffron was discovered at 7.45pm and a 999 call was made to the East of England Ambulance Service at 7.52pm.
Suffolk Area Coroner Darren Stewart OBE said there appeared to have been contact between the ambulance service and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service at 8.04pm or 8.05pm.
A “subsequent call” from the Coastguard to the fire service but firefighters were not dispatched until five minutes later, the court was told.
Mr Stewart said he wanted to examine a possible “inconsistency” in communications between emergency services.
He added: “In essence I want to understand in terms of the chronology whether there has been correct application of the co-ordination arrangements in respect of the best or most appropriate emergency services response.
“On my initial view of the chronology there seems to be some inconsistency in terms of how some of the responses were being co-ordinated. Whether any of that was causative of her death is another matter that must be considered by the court.
“When it comes to rising water levels and the method of death that occurred which is drowning, there is a very limited window of time available to be able to respond and save a life in those circumstances.”
Saffron was eventually rescued by emergency crews but tragically couldn’t be saved.
A post mortem has been carried out but Saffron’s cause of death has not been revealed.
Mr Stewart said a full inquest would “examine the circumstances” of how she became trapped in the rocks and then “sadly dying as a result of the water levels rising”.
He adjourned the inquest for another pre-inquest hearing in September or October, with a view to a full hearing in March or April next year.
It previously emerged Saffron was walking along a path under the town’s Esplanade promenade, despite signs telling people to keep away from the area.
Local likened the path to an “ice rink” as it was so slippery due to it being covered in algae.
Tributes flooded for Saffron, who lived in Lowestoft with her partner and children after moving from Gillingham, Kent.
She had two daughters aged 11 and seven and a baby son born last year.
Friend Trish Butler said Saffron was “a beautiful girl inside and out”.
She added: “She was a lovely girl and a wonderful person, and the life and soul wherever she went.”
Flowers left at the scene of the tragedy described her as a “beautiful” mum who would be “forever missed”.
One touching tribute said: “My beautiful mummy, I love you the world.”
Her partner left a hand-written message, saying: “My darling Saff, What can I really say. There are no words to express how much we will miss you.
“The world is so cruel and to take you in this freak horrific way will not sit well with me for the rest of my life.
“You will be forever missed by so many, and I’m really not sure I’ll ever be the same without you. Me and the kids will love you and never forget you.
“Until we meet again, love always, Mike and the kids.”