Overview

• On February 2, Saffron Cole-Nottage slipped on algae-covered concrete beneath the Esplanade boulders in Lowestoft and became trapped as the tide rose.
• At a pre-inquest review on June 6, Suffolk Area Coroner Darren Stewart OBE highlighted a possible five-minute gap between initial fire service contact and the dispatch of firefighters.
• Stewart said he will investigate inconsistencies in communications among ambulance, coastguard and fire services during the rescue attempt.
• Evidence from the victim’s daughter, bystanders and emergency crews will inform inquiries into whether warning signs or barriers could have prevented access to the rocks.
• The next pre-inquest hearing is scheduled for later in 2025 with a full inquest set for early 2026.