All 999 services rush to Wacker Quay incident near Torpoint

A major incident unfolded at Wacker Quay near Torpoint from around 6pm yesterday evening, 16 August with all emergency services rushing to the scene.

UPDATE:

Police, paramedics, fire crews, HM Coastguard, a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and two helicopters were all deployed in one of the largest responses seen in the area in recent years.

South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust dispatched multiple crews including specialist HART paramedics from Exeter.

Exhausted paramedics covered in thick mud wash off by the roadside during major emergency response at Wacker Quay. **© Plymouth Plus**

HM Coastguard mobilised teams from across Devon and Cornwall, with responders travelling from as far as Dawlish.

A HM Coastguard rescue helicopter and the Cornwall Air Ambulance were also seen circling and landing nearby. Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service committed several appliances, working alongside Devon and Cornwall Police.

On the shoreline a large privacy screen was put up as detectives and forensic officers examined the scene, with police later seen loading evidence bags into a car.

Emergency crews hold up a large privacy screen at Wacker Quay as detectives and forensic officers inspect the scene. **© Wayne Perry / Plymouth Plus**

Emergency vehicles and specialist equipment continued to arrive throughout the evening as the incident unfolded. Crews battled the muddy estuary terrain, with emergency responders and their equipment left covered in mud as they worked in difficult conditions.

Muddied emergency equipment and medical bags left at the scene. **© Plymouth Plus**

Wacker Quay, which lies on the River Lynher, is a popular location for walkers, anglers and swimmers. Its rural setting and limited access points can make emergencies extremely difficult to manage.

In a short statement to Plymouth Plus, a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said:

“We were called to Wacker Quay at 6pm following concerns for someone in the water.”

Police officers at Wacker carry evidence bags from the scene containing items including beef burgers and burger buns. **© Wayne Perry / Plymouth Plus**

HM Coastguard declined to add further detail, telling Plymouth Plus:

“I’m afraid I’ll have to refer you to Devon and Cornwall Police.”

At the time of publication, police have not confirmed whether any injuries had been recorded or whether anyone has been located. South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have also been contacted for comment.