FATALITIES are feared after a “tragic incident” at a popular beach saw emergency services rush to help multiple people in difficulty in the water.
Cops and HM Coastguard scrambled to the scene at West Mersea, near Colchester, at around 5.30pm on Wednesday, with police warning the public to “stay away”.
West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team said in a statement shortly after midnight that “thoughts are with the family involved” with locals fearing there have been fatalities.
A spokesman said: “Tonight we have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach.
“Our team and West Mersea Lifeboat Station – RNLI were first on scene.
“We will not be making any further comment on the details at this time and leave this task to Essex Police as an ongoing incident. Our thoughts are with the family involved.”
Witnesses told The Sun they saw CPR being performed on the beach after people had been pulled from the water.
The area is known for its strong currents which can take swimmers by surprise.
East of England Ambulance Service were also in attendance, along with Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Essex Police.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday evening, the force said: “While we remain on scene, we would ask the public to avoid the Seaview Avenue and beach area.
“We appreciate that this will cause some local issues, but would ask for your patience and understanding as we may be there for some time yet.”
At least six ambulances, a dozen police cars, a fire engine, a lifeboat, two air ambulances and a Coastguard helicopter were sent to the scene.
One Coastguard truck remained on the shingle beach last night near an area which was cordoned off with a wind break.
Other emergency vehicles were parked behind a row of multi-coloured pastel beach huts beside the West Mersea Holiday Park.
Two air ambulances landed on the green beside the caravan park’s Sandbanks bar and restaurant while the Coastguard helicopter landed on the beach.
A lifeboat could be seen launching at one point and searching the water as the search got underway yesterday.
Police officers were also searching the shoreline with torches as the light faded away on Wednesday evening.
An eyewitness who lives nearby told The Sun: “I noticed an ambulance come back to the house so I went to take a look.
“I could see about 18 emergency vehicles.
“I also saw two air ambulances and one coast guard helicopter which had its door open so they must have been searching for someone.
“On arrival the police had everyone move back and set up a cordon.
“A lot of people had their head in their hands so it was clearly a sensitive issue.
“All the paramedics I could see were down at the beach.”
The incident is ongoing and there is no further information at this time while the investigation continues.
An RNLI spokeswoman confirmed its West Mersea lifeboat was launched earlier in the evening and its lifeboat from Clacton was also sent to the emergency.
