The height of madness: Youngster risks his life leaping 65ft into the sea from harbour wall

By DAMIEN GAYLE

Sheer lunacy: A youngster plunges 65ft from the harbour wall at Dead Man's Cove, Plymouth

A youngster risks life and limb as he leaps 65ft into the sea taking part in the deadly craze for 'tombstoning' which is sweeping the nation.
The young thrillseeker flung himself off the harbour wall at Dead Man's Cove, Plymouth, as he takes part in a deadly activity which has killed at least 19 people in the past seven years.
Despite the death toll from the risky stunts, adults and children were queuing up to take the plunge from the harbour wall, in defiance of signs warning of a 'danger of death'.

Crazy: Youths and adults alike were flinging themselves over the sheer drop

The coastguard has already logged three deaths and three injuries from tombstoning this year.
Darren Teal, 22, died last weekend after jumping 30ft off a bridge named 'Devil’s Bridge' into a river below. It is thought he landed awkwardly as he hit the water and the alarm was raised when he did not resurface.
Days later, on Tuesday, Dan Mccullagh died after he jumped off a 20ft bridge into the River Nene, Northamptonshire yesterday afternoon.
Witnesses say the teenager was seen tombstoning moments before the tragedy.

Deadly pastime: Jumpers aim to land feet first with their body straight. The slightest mistake can end in tragedy, with three deaths and three injuries already recorded from tombstoning this year

Those leaping from great heights into bodies of water aim to plunge in feet first with as straight a body as possible.
The slightest mistake can lead to tragedy, as anyone landing in the water at an angle risks a devastating impact that can shatter bones and knock participants unconscious.
That's not to mention the dangers posed by rocks hidden below the surface and dangerous currents.


Foolhardy: Additional dangers are posed by submarine rocks and strong currents

Coastguard Agency spokesman Fred Caygill told The People: 'River levels drop rapidly in dry weather so it should not be assumed it is safe.
'Jumping from piers, cliffs, rocks or other structures into the sea can also be very dangerous.
'You do not know what lurks beneath the surface.'

source: dailymail