Angler Mike Bindon

Twenty-three-year-old angler Mike Bindon loved nothing more than spending a day at the coast with his friends. But no amount of experience could have prepared him for the unexpected wave that swept him into the sea.

Mike fishing from the shore Mike packed up his fishing gear and left his home in Plymouth at around 5.30am one January morning to head for The Rumps in Polzeath.

After a spell of bad weather, Mike and his friend were keen to make the most of the dry conditions. However, conditions can be deceptive.

Good weather can change in an instant. The pair hadn’t even finished unpacking their fishing kit when Mike was swept away.

Mike's friend immediately called the Coastguard and within minutes a rescue operation was underway.

Air, sea and land crew spent the day scouring the area for Mike. He was never found. Even with the support of an extensive search and rescue operation, Mike could not be saved.

Mike’s body has never been found. It breaks my heart. No one expects to lose a child. An accident like this is a tragedy that I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through. I want people to learn from Mike’s death and understand how dangerously unpredictable the sea can be. Accidents like this can happen to anyone.

Phil Bindon

Mike’s dad