Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, was walking by the sea in Lowestoft, Suffolk, when she slipped and fell, becoming stuck head-down between two boulders

A “beautiful” mum-of-three died after she became trapped between giant boulders in a sea defence wall with witnesses saying it felt like “an eternity” before emergency services arrived, an inquest has heard.
Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, drowned after slipping and falling, before becoming trapped head-down during a rising tide beneath the Esplanade in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
She was on a dog walk with her daughter when the tragic incident happened in February 2025. Suffolk Coroner’s Court has heard that an initial 999 call was made at 7.52pm but the fire service was not mobilised until 8.10pm, 18 minutes later. Meanwhile desperate members of the public attempted to help Ms Cole-Nottage but, by the time rescue crews were able to free her, she was unresponsive, the inquest was told.
Area Coroner Mr Darren Stewart OBE told the inquest today that the hearing, expected to conclude next Friday (May 15), will look at the response of the emergency services and the decision-making as to how Ms Cole-Nottage’s case was prioritised, the Eastern Daily Press reported.

Ms Cole-Nottage was described as “bubbly, fun and full of life” and a much-loved daughter, sister and mother who “gave just as much love as she received” during the hearing.


