The RNLI have released footage of their search for a teenager who was swept into the sea by a “freak” wave.
The video shows a crew scanning the choppy waters for a sign of Caitlin Ruddy, 15, who died after being swept away on the north pier at Cullercoats, North Tyneside Saturday evening.
She was later found on the shore by a dogwalker, who tried to administer first aid. She had been in the sea for around 30 minutes by that time.
Northumbria police reported on Sunday morning that she had died in Cramlington hospital following a cardiac arrest.
Three friends who were also on the pier escaped unhurt.
As the RNLI searched around the pier, after 15 minutes they spotted a man with two dogs, who was wearing a high-visibility jacket and administering first aid.
RNLI crew member Curtis Dunn who was part of the search wanted to thank the man.
"We don't know this member of the public, he was just down walking his dogs,” he said. “We would like to pass on our thanks to him."
Before the schoolgirl died, Chief Inspector Paul advised people of the dangers during such weather.
"People should always be careful around water and if the sea is looking rough with waves pounding onto the pier, we would advise people to be particularly cautious and keep their distance."
The Met Office had warned of a 100-mile “corridor of snow” hitting the UK over the weekend, which also saw two climbers found dead in Scotland.
