Mother drowned after getting trapped in rocks

A mother of six drowned after becoming trapped in rocks while on a seaside walk, an inquest has heard.

Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, and her daughter were walking their dog along a narrow path close to The Esplanade in Lowestoft, Suffolk, on 2 February 2025.

Cole-Nottage, who was from the town, slipped, landed on the path, then stood up and slipped again, this time falling headfirst on to rocks that were part of sea defences, a previous hearing at Suffolk Coroner's Court was told.

The inquest heard that Cole-Nottage had been drinking before the incident, and a post-mortem report found levels of alcohol in her system would have "significantly impaired her cognitive abilities".

The report said that the level of alcohol in her blood was above the legal drink-drive limit and "above levels associated with drunkenness".

The cause of death was found to be drowning.

A statement was read to the court from Cole-Nottage's partner, Michael Wheeler, who said she had come home after going for a meal earlier in the day.

He did not believe she was drunk and said she was not slurring her words when she set off on the walk with her daughter and dog.

According to the statement, when they had been gone longer than an hour, he became worried. He said he went to put his shoes on, then heard the dog barking and saw someone bringing his daughter home.

Evidence was read to the court from three passersby who had tried to help Cole-Nottage after she had become stuck.

Two men had tried to pull her out by her legs, which were the only part of her body visible.

Ian Jones described Cole-Nottage as "screaming and panicking."

Alex Singleton-Dent said it had "felt like ages" before emergency services arrived at the scene, at which point Cole-Nottage had become unresponsive.

A statement from a girl was read to the court, which said her phone was used to call an ambulance.

It said the trapped woman was "shouting and screaming" and water had eventually submerged her head.

She said she was "angry" that the ambulance had not come sooner.

The court was read a statement from members of Cole-Nottage's family that said she was "bubbly, fun and full of life" and "would light up any room."

It added that her death had "left an indescribable void in their lives".

A number of emergency services have legal representation at the inquest, including Suffolk Police, East of England Ambulance Service, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard. East Suffolk Council were also represented.

Area coroner Darren Stewart said the inquest would look at the events that took place that evening, leading to Cole-Nottage becoming trapped and the response of the emergency services.

A number of those involved in the emergency services' response to the incident are set to give evidence.

The inquest is due to conclude on 15 May.

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