Swimmer missing at sea and five others pulled from water after getting into difficulty near Clacton Pier | UK News

HM Coastguard says one man is missing at sea and five others have been pulled from the water near Clacton Pier in Essex.

Emergency services have been called to the scene and a major search and rescue operation is underway to find the man after six got into trouble off the coast.

Nigel Brown, communications director for Clacton Pier, said it has now “pulled” a group towards the pier.

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Staff had thrown lifeline bracelets aside to help some people in need, he said.

Mr Brown continued: “Eight of them were in the water but my understanding is four or five were in trouble.

“I understand that one person is missing.

“The group of people in the water were very worried about someone they couldn’t see and said ‘One more person is missing’.

“As far as I know, that person is still missing. They sent the helicopter up.”

Mr Brown said it was “difficult to say their age” but he believed some were in their late teens and early 20s and fully clothed.

Essex Police said: “We are on the scene assisting emergency services colleagues with a serious and ongoing incident near Clacton Pier.

“There is a presence of critical emergency services in the area while the incident is being worked on. We will provide an update as soon as possible.”

The Coast Guard said it was responding to “reports of people in the water”.

A spokesman said: “HM Coastguard is currently responding to an incident at Clacton Pier following reports of multiple people in the water.

“The Clacton Beach Patrol, RNLI lifeboats from Clacton and Coast Guard rescue teams from Clacton, Walton and Holbrook were dispatched to assist, as were the Coast Guard rescue helicopters. coast guard from Lydd.

“Essex Police, Essex Fire Service and Essex Ambulance Service also attended.

“Five people have been rescued, with the search for a sixth man continuing.”