UPDATE: Rescuer describes vain attempts to save Brixham harbour fall man

“A defibrillator was eventually brought out, but it took a while for it to be located, I think.”

“If CPR was performed on him it would suggest that his heart had stopped. Why wasn't the defibrillator used which is located at the 24-hour security office at the fish market entrance. The incident could hardly have been closer to it.”

“This indeed tragic new to hear from the other side of the world as I knew him and knew him well along with many others from my former home town. My heart goes out to his family and I know many will be shocked to learn of this very tragic news. RIP my old friend...Glenn”

“Apologies, didn't realize there was a quote from someone else in the article that had just been added. Got myself confused.”

“I don't know if the title change was a reference to my comment at all, but I was just a witness.”

“I was at the Pilgrim Trawler, at the time of the incident. I am one of a group of Performing Arts Students from South Devon College, who were rehearsing for a performance on the ship, when the man fell into the water. One of my friends was one of the first to raise the alarm, and so, lots of us gathered around the top of the stairs, of which the man had fallen down. Several people went down to help at least get the man to the bottom of the stairs. I assume they didn't move him, in fear of causing further harm.

They started doing CPR on him, while one of my friends tried encouraging the man to come back, in case he was still conscious, and could possibly hear what was going on. It took a while, but the ambulance finally arrived, and continued with the CPR, as well as using a defibrillator. However, it unfortunately seemed to be too late. The man didn't seem to respond at all. After the man's body was moved to an ambulance, the police arrived, and questioned witnesses, and dealt with those who were traumatized by the incident. Me and the rest of the students returned to the College, where the College nurses gave us all contact details, and advice, if we wanted to discuss the incident further.

From what I've heard, from witnesses at the scene, the man who died (he must have been roughly in his sixties from his appearance) was drunk, and had tried to sit down on a railing at the top of the stairs, when he fell through, and hit his head as he fell. He then apparently tried to swim back to the stairs, but suffered a heart attack, and drowned. Obviously, I can't confirm if that was 100% accurate, but he did have cuts on his head, and was foaming from the mouth.

As for what he was doing before the incident, he was watching our rehearsals, sat on the stone benches in front of the Pilgrim, laughing quite loudly, for several hours.

I would like to thank everyone who was there, trying to help this poor man, as they all did the best they could to save him. My condolences to those who may be related to him, and to anyone who knew him.”

“Thanks for the update Mamafox. Glad to hear people went in to try and rescue him. The police told me last night that he did try to swim a little but was unsuccessful. They went on to say that unfortunately he was drunk, which presumably caused him to fall in. Very sad indeed...”

“We were in the harbour area at the time and by all accounts, from people we spoke to, three men did immediately jump in to rescue him, but he had apparently hit his head on the steps on the way down.”

“Very sad indeed, our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased.

Although I saw some of the incident from a distance, the following comments are based on the information above and what I saw at the time.

It was a sunny day and the inner harbour was busy with people walking around and catching the ferries. Small boats were coming and going. I'm surprised that no one heard a splash or saw the body sooner. Did anyone jump in to try and save him, as there's no mention of it yet?”