Chalkwell: Search underway to find person who 'walked into sea'

Coastguards, police, RNLI and lifeguards are searching after the reports of a man walking into the water at Joselyns Beach near Chalkwell Train Station.

A spokesman for Chalkwell Lifeguards Club said: "There are coastguard helicopter and land based crews, Essex Police, two RNLI boats on scene at Chalkwell Station, pier and foreshore officers, and Chalkwell Lifeguards Club Beach Welfare Officers.

"All services currently involved in searching for a male in a tracksuit who has been reported to of walked into the water at Joselyns Beach off Chalkwell Railway Station on and outgoing tide."

Southend Coastguard have advised the search is now over and nothing of concern has been found.

A spokesman said: "Based on the information received the first informant thought they saw a fully clothed male enter the water between Bell & Victoria wharf but then disappeared from view so were concerned to call 999 asking for the Coastguard. Searches continued land, sea and air between Chalkwell and Leigh, the air search was later further widened between Southend Pier and Two Tree Island.

"After an extensive search by all rescue teams, nothing was seen or found. Also the beaches and seafront locations were busy with people who had also not seen anyone matching the description enter the water and with no persons reported missing, Dover MRCC stood down the search unless new information was forthcoming.

"Thanks to members of the public for their cooperation today and for Southend Council Townlink teams for keeping a watch (which includes beach welfare officers).

"We would also like to thank the first informant who had genuine concerns for what they saw, we would rather such observations are reported if concerned for someones welfare."