Daredevil photographer drowns in whirlpool in Cornwall

Updated



A photographer with a keen interest in whirlpools has died after telling friends he was going to take 'one more photo' of the phenomenon in Cornwall.

Jacob Cockle, 28, was attempting to capture footage of the famous whirlpools at Carnsew Pool in the Hayle Estuary, Cornwall, on Tuesday night.

He was pulled into the whirlpool's vortex and sucked under when he paddled nearer to take his last shots.

RNLI lifeboat crews tried to revive him before he was airlifted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

A spokesperson for the RNLI told the Daily Mail: "Being the first emergency services on the scene, the volunteer lifeboat crew immediately began giving CPR to the casualty who was unconscious when they arrived.

"After approximately five minutes, the search and rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose also arrived on scene, after which the casualty was handed to the care of the helicopter crew and taken to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro."



Jacob, who had an account on YouTube called Whirlpoolhitman, has been described as "happy and loving".

According to The Sun, longtime friend Lee Harvey said: "Jacob was one of the friendliest, happiest and most loving people you could meet.

"He said he was going back for just one more photo, but then they lost sight of him.

"The next thing he came out the other side and was unconscious. It is just such a tragedy and so hard to take."

Back in 2008, Jacob endured a terrifying experience when he became stuck between a stone pier and a 30ft wave (pictured).

Jacob's mum, Carolyn Sheard, 58, said she is "absolutely devastated", and added that he was "a friend of everybody".

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