Capsized boat: bodies recovered

Two die in lake tragedy

The bodies of two people have been found following a two-day search after a boat capsized on a lake near Okehampton.

The crisis began on Wednesday lunchtime. Six people were on a boat on Roadford Lake when it sank in circumstances that are not yet clear, but no other boats were involved in the incident.

Two people were unharmed, two were taken to Derriford Hospital, and two people, said on Thursday to have disabilities were unaccounted for.

One person taken to hospital is in a critical condition.

A major operation using specialist equipment in and over the water, on land, and with drones has continued through Thursday.

The families of two people who had been unaccounted for following the incident have been informed of the development. They are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Formal identification is yet to take place.

Chief Superintendent Dan Evans said: “This is an extremely distressing incident and our thoughts are with all of those involved and their loved ones, who we are working closely with to offer help and support wherever we can.

“Every effort has been made to locate the two people who remained unaccounted for as fast as possible.

“Tragically, we can confirm that the bodies of two people were located and recovered this afternoon.

“Our priority is to support their families.”

A large-scale response from emergency services was launched at around 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police, fire and ambulance services, the air ambulance, HM Coastguard and search and rescue teams all attended the scene.