It looks like a scene straight from last winter’s storms – but in fact this photograph was taken in Coverack yesterday.
A father and son are engulfed by a giant wave as it crashes over the sea railings, during a particularly high tide given extra weight thanks to strong easterly winds.
Protected from the water only by the hoods of their thin waterproof jackets, they are covered in salt water and sea debris.
Littering the road is seaweed, stones and wood that has been thrown by the power of the waves.
This type of image prompts a serious warning, however.
One eyewitness said: “This family had three kids and originally just the kids were playing by the railings, waiting for the waved to hit them whilst their parents took pictures.
“People don’t realise the power of the sea and when you see what gets chucked up in the waves its crazy – stones, wood and all sorts.”
Shop owners and residents spent this morning removing seaweed and de-salting their properties – an early reminder that winter is on its way.
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