Emergency services were called to Clacton-on-Sea pier in Essex just after 11:00 BST following reports of multiple swimmers in difficulty. Five people have been rescued from the water, but a sixth person, a male, remains missing.
Lifeboats, the resort's beach patrol team, and coastguard teams from Clacton, Walton-on-the-Naze, and Holbrook were dispatched. A coastguard rescue helicopter, Essex Police, and the East of England Ambulance Service also attended.
The East of England Ambulance Service said crews assessed four males and one female patient at the scene before taking them to Colchester Hospital by road. The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance was also sent.
Nigel Brown, communications manager for Clacton Pier, said staff threw life support aids to help those in difficulties. He explained the swimmers were "dragged" under the pier by the tides, warning that strong currents can develop around the pier and groynes.
HM Coastguard confirmed five people have been rescued, with the search ongoing for a sixth male. Essex Police described the incident as "serious and ongoing". The pier was closed and the public asked to leave during the search.
