Search and rescue operation after two people seen in the water on Southend seafront

A search and rescue operation took place on Southend seafront after reports surfaced that two people jumped into the water from the Pier.

A coastguard rescue helicopter was sent and was seen circling above the sea near to the Pier, with a winchman being lowered to areas of the water.

Reports suggest that two people were seen to jump into the water from the Pier, but that only one was able to get out of the water safely.

UPDATE 22:00: The coastguard helicopter returned to its base after an extensive search of the water.

The RNLI hovercraft was still searching in the Thorpe Bay area, along with ground based coastguard teams. Paramedics and an ambulance incident commander are also attending the incident.

UPDATE 10:30 MONDAY: A spokesperson for Southend Coastguard has confirmed a man was rescued and that the second person reported in the water was a false alarm.

The coastguard said: “The team were tasked to a man that had jumped off the end of Southend Pier and was in difficulty in the water.

“RNLI Southend Lifeboat launched the hovercraft and proceeded to the end of the pier to a man that was holding onto a pillar.

“HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter, HM Coastguard Canvey Island were also tasked to assist incase a technical rescue was required.

“The casualty was bought to the inshore boathouse to be assessed by coastguard officers. The paramedic from the helicopter was winched down to provide medical assistance pending the arrival of East Of England Ambulance Service.

“Once on scene the coastguard officers and paramedic handed the casualty to the ambulance team for transfer to hospital for further care.

“Whilst the paramedic was being winched up back into the helicopter reports of a further person in water 100 metres from shore at Thorpe Bay.

“The Search and Rescue helicopter provided an initial search via air whilst the teams were relocating to provide a land and water search.

“After an extensive search it was confirmed it was a false alarm and no one was in the water and all teams were stood down.

“We would like to thank the family who called 999 whilst waiting for the train at the end of the pier.”