Delayed Fire Service Call Tragic Drowning

A tragic drowning incident on February 2, 2025, in Lowestoft has highlighted critical issues within emergency response protocols. Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, became trapped in sea defence rocks and subsequently drowned. An inquest heard that her survival may have been possible had the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service been alerted immediately.

The court was informed that Cole-Nottage had consumed alcohol prior to the incident, with post-mortem results indicating levels that would have significantly impaired her cognitive abilities. Her partner stated he did not believe she was intoxicated when she left for her walk.

Emergency services attended the scene, but the fire service was only called after Cole-Nottage became unresponsive. Firefighters freed her approximately 40 minutes after her fall. The coroner expressed concerns regarding the time taken by the ambulance service to identify the situation as a rescue and relay this to the fire service, attributing the delay to rigid adherence to guidance.

In his findings, the coroner concluded Cole-Nottage died from drowning due to accidental circumstances. While no concerns were raised regarding the fire service, coastguard, or police, a report will be sent to the chief executive of East of England Ambulance Service Trust and NHS England detailing these concerns about the initial incident assessment and escalation.

The ambulance service has accepted the coroner's findings and expressed deep sorrow for the care Saffron did not receive. They are committed to improving their call handling, clinical triage, and coordination with partner emergency services to prevent future tragedies.