Woman Dies After Becoming Trapped In Tilly Whim Caves In Dorset

Woman Dies After Becoming Trapped In Dorset Sea Cave
UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 19: London & South Western Railway (LSWR) carriage photographs showing views of Tilly Whim Caves, near Swanage, and Capstone Hill, at the Devon seaside resort of Ilfracombe. Photography by The Photochrom Company Limited, 61 St Paul's Churchyard, London. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)
UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 19: London & South Western Railway (LSWR) carriage photographs showing views of Tilly Whim Caves, near Swanage, and Capstone Hill, at the Devon seaside resort of Ilfracombe. Photography by The Photochrom Company Limited, 61 St Paul's Churchyard, London. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)
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A 30-year-old woman has died after becoming trapped in a sea cave off the Dorset coast.

Rescue teams were called to a report of a person who had become stuck under Tilly Whim Caves on Saturday afternoon, Swanage Coastguard said.

By the time rescue teams reached the woman, she had died.

Rescue teams were unable to retrieve her body as it was deemed "too dangerous".

Meanwhile, a 31-year-old man was airlifted to safety and was not injured, Dorset Police said.

In an online incident report, Swanage Coastguard said: "Entry to the cave was either underwater, or though a narrow blowhole at the top of the cave.

"The rescue was considered to be at the very edge of our technical capability.

"With the light failing and high tide approaching a final risk assessment was undertaken by the office in charge and decision made to deploy.

"The St Albans' cliff technician showed exceptional courage and entered the cave through the blow hole.

"On entering the cave it became apparent that the casualty had sadly succumbed.

"The difficult decision was taken that the recovery of the body at that point was too dangerous to undertake.

"The teams have stood down at this point. Naturally at this time the team's thoughts are with the deceased person's family and friends."

Police said rescue teams were working in "extreme weather conditions".

The force said it was currently liaising with the family.

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