Coastguards warning of dangers of Tombstoning

The Isle Of Man coastguards have issued a warning against tombstoning around the island.

The pastime, popular with young people, involves leaping off harbour walls, cliffs and piers into the sea or harbours.

The latest figures for the UK were compiled between 2004 and 2008 and showed 139 incidents, some of them resulting in death.

Sector Manager for the Isle of Man Coastguards Mike Mcdonald has said the main dangers are with people not knowing what lurks beneath the sea they're jumping into, with a good chance of rocks and debris that could cause serious injury.

Another issue arises when the jumpers are swimming in busy harbours with the risk of them being sucked into the propellers of passing vessels.

Tombstoning gained its notoriety when numerous videos depicting the dangerous act appeared on youtube.

They’re asking residents to be aware of the dangers and to report any tombstoning incidents to the coastguard or harbour managers.

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