11-Year-Old Girl Drowns at Remote Wacker Quay, Second UK Child Water Tragedy This Weekend
August 17, 2025
An 11-year-old girl from South Devon tragically drowned at Wacker Quay on the River Lynher near Torpoint, Cornwall, on Saturday evening, despite emergency efforts.
Emergency services responded around 6pm after concerns for the girl in the water, and she was confirmed dead at the scene after being recovered and given emergency treatment.
Wacker Quay, a popular but remote location in the Tamar Valley, may have contributed to the difficulty of the rescue due to its accessibility.
Rescue efforts involved working into the night in dark, muddy conditions with floodlights and privacy screens, highlighting the challenging nature of the operation.
Emergency services, including the Coast Guard, fire brigade, and police, responded to the scene, making it one of the largest multi-agency responses in the area in recent years.
Her next of kin have been informed and will receive support from specialist officers, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Police confirmed that her death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Wacker Quay is a popular outdoor location with a picnic area and bird wildlife, which is the site of this tragic incident.
This event marks the second child water tragedy in the UK over the weekend, following the discovery of a 12-year-old boy's body in the River Swale near Richmond, Yorkshire, after he was last seen swimming.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Aug 17, 2025
Girl, 11, dies after incident at river in Cornwall
The Independent • Aug 17, 2025
Girl, 11, dies in tragic water incident at Cornwall beauty spot
Evening Standard • Aug 17, 2025
Girl, 11, dies in river at Cornish beauty spot
Express.co.uk • Aug 17, 2025
Tragedy as girl, 11, dies at Cornwall beauty spot