Two men lost their lives in a tragic incident at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool on 12 July 2026. Cleveland Police were called to the scene at 15:45 BST after reports of two children getting into difficulty in the water.
The men, who were attempting to save the children, were pulled from the water by the RNLI and pronounced dead a short time later. The children were taken to hospital and are confirmed to be safe, according to police.
Supt Glen Wand of Cleveland Police expressed his sympathies to the families of the men involved in the incident, saying: 'Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today.'
The force has stated that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and that a file will be prepared for the coroner. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in water rescue operations and the bravery of those who put themselves in harm's way to save others.