10 Chinese cockle hunters die in Morcambe Bay

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http://uk.news./040206/325/elco5.html

 

Friday February 6, 04:49 AM

 

Ten Chinese cockle hunters die in Morecombe Bay

LONDON (Reuters) - At least 10 Chinese shellfish hunters died and

several more were missing after they were caught by a fast-rising tide

in Morecombe Bay, the coastguard says.

 

A group of around 25 cockle gatherers were cut off from the shore as

they searched for the delicacy in Lancashire late on Thursday. Seven

were rescued or managed to wade or swim ashore.

 

" At least 10 have died and there are possibly more dead, " said

coastguard spokesman Martin Collins.

 

Police coordinating the rescue said military helicopters and the

coastguard began searching for the group when the alarm was raised after

dark on Thursday.

 

Locals often go out onto the beach to harvest cockles, which live just

below the surface of muddy sand and are eaten after being shelled and

cooked.

 

But the tides in the bay are dangerous for those not used them,

especially at night. The incoming sea can sometimes surround the unwary,

quickly cutting them off from shore.

 

Local media reported the Chinese cockle hunters may be migrant workers.

 

ENDS

 

--

Dave Neale

Animals Asia Foundation

 

Find out more about the historic China Bear Rescue by visiting the

Animals Asia Foundation website at http://www.animalsasia.org