The Coastguard has confirmed their attendance at a 'tragic incident' on a popular UK beach on Wednesday evening, with a 'family' believed to be involved.
Incident at West Mersea beach
West Mersea beach, in Essex, was cordoned off by police on July 22 due to the incident, amid reports of individuals in distress in the water.
The West Mersea Coastguard Rescue Team posted on Facebook early Thursday that they had responded to an incident near Seaview Avenue in West Mersea, Colchester, on Wednesday evening.
Emergency services response
"We have responded to a tragic incident on West Mersea beach. Our thoughts are with the family involved," the post read. The Coastguard stated they would not be making any further comment.
The specifics of the incident remain undisclosed. Residents have been urged to steer clear of the Seaview Avenue and beach areas.
Police and RNLI involvement
An Essex Police spokesperson commented: "Emergency services are currently on scene of an ongoing incident in West Mersea, Colchester. 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. Thank you."
Police and ambulance staff are attending and the RNLI has launched its West Mersea and Clacton lifeboats. The RNLI confirmed that West Mersea RNLI's inshore lifeboat and both Clacton-on-Sea RNLI lifeboats were launched on Wednesday evening. Helicopters were also spotted hovering above the water.
A representative for the fire service stated: "Emergency services are currently on scene of an ongoing incident in West Mersea, Colchester. 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."
