Safety warnings were issued today after an angler was swept to his death by huge seas as he fished off Redcar. Stewart Simpson was fishing at South Gare - a popular but exposed spot - at around 5pm yesterday. A massive air and sea rescue operation was launched in force nine gales after reports the 41-year-old, of Kirkstone Grove, Redcar, had been dragged into the sea. Lifeboat crews reported gusting 60mph winds, heavy rain, snow and hail and high waves. Mr Simpson was found near the shore and breakwater and given first aid by police, fire officers and Redcar Lifeboat doctor Roger Smith. He was airlifted by an RAF rescue helicopter to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, but died last night. It is believed he was fishing with three friends, who were all safely located. The Redcar Atlantic and Teesmouth all weather lifeboats, police, ambulance, fire and coastguard crews were all involved in the search, while an RAF rescue helicopter returning from the Lake District also diverted to the scene. Dave Cammish, of Redcar Lifeboat, described the weather conditions as "thoroughly nasty". He said: "The power of the elements is immense and so unpredictable, particularly at times when the weather is deteriorating fast. "There is only one safe thing to do - don't go when it's like that." Mr Cammish also praised the joint rescue effort, saying: "Everything that could be done was done and the interchange between the various agencies was marvellous." Bernard Westgarth, a member of Saltburn Angling Club who has also fished for England, today revealed that in a club vote, he had voted unsuccessfully for the gare to be made out of bounds for members. "I've seen many anglers knocked off their feet along there because of their naivety about the conditions," he said. "We go out in all sorts of weather, but not to places like the gare - stick to terra firma, like a beach or off rocks, where you know it's safe." The gare has seen its fair share of tragedy. Last May, two men died when their cabin cruiser lost power and capsized off the gare, while in February 2001, a 20-year-old Eston man died after being swept into the sea while walking on rocks. And in December 1998, a double wave washed a fisherman to his death as his two friends looked on. | 
