Morecambe Bay disaster death toll rises

The death toll in the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster rose to 20 today after a further body was found.

The grim discovery was made in Morecambe by a bird watcher at 1.20pm today.

A police spokesman said: “At 1.20pm this afternoon police were called to the promenade at Morecambe, near to the Headway Hotel after a bird watcher had spotted a body on a sand bank.

“The body of a person of oriental appearance has been recovered and taken to hospital.

“Police investigating the tragedy in which 19 cocklers died in Morecambe Bay will now attempt to identify what they are considering is the latest victim.

“A post mortem will held tomorrow.”

The discovery comes just a day after a leading member of Morecambe’s Chinese community said the final death toll may be as high as 24.

Gina Tan, Sister Tan as she is known, told a congregation at the Central Methodist Church yesterday that while 19 bodies had then been found, five were still missing at sea.

She said: “There were 24 dead. Nineteen bodies have been found. Another five bodies are at sea.

“They came to this country thinking they were going to have a better life. They didn’t realise that the sea would take them away.“

About 60 people attended the multi-faith service, including five Chinese and members of the emergency services, and donations were made to the RNLI.

Some tied yellow ribbons to the altar rail in recognition of the Chinese tradition of tying ribbons on trees to honour the dead.

A total of 16 people survived the tragedy when the cocklers got trapped by rising tides on Thursday February 5.

Seven people arrested on suspicion of manslaughter have been released on police bail.

Lancashire Police said more arrests were expected but have declined to comment on the claim five cocklers are still missing.

Earlier today Lancashire Police said they had not ruled out there being more victims despite them no longer actively searching for bodies.