In a swift response to a distress beacon from an aircraft, Southend RNLI volunteers launched a five-hour search mission last night.

The alarm was raised at 4:48pm after HM Coastguard received a distress signal originating near the Maplin Bell, off Foulness, prompting a multi-agency response.

Southend RNLI volunteers promptly launched their Atlantic 85 B-885 lifeboat, setting off towards the signal at high speed, reaching 35 knots in a gentle northwest breeze.

Within minutes, Sheerness RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat, RNLI 13-38, joined the scene, followed closely by the HM Coastguard’s Rescue 163 helicopter, which provided aerial support.

Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI volunteers, also paged, deployed their Atlantic 85 B-849 lifeboat to aid in the search.

Each unit was assigned specific search patterns, meticulously scanning the distress beacon area, taking into account tidal movements to look for any signs of a person in the water, wreckage, or possible oil slicks.

The extensive operation lasted nearly five hours, with all available resources covering a wide area, but despite thorough efforts, no signs of the aircraft or any person were found.

The search was officially called off by HM Coastguard at 9:30pm, with all assets ordered to stand down.

Southend crew returned to station by 10:15pm, where they refuelled readying it for any future emergency.

A spokesman for Southend RNLI said: “RNLI volunteers are ready to go to sea at a moment’s notice 24 hours a day 365 days a year to help anyone in distress.

“Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the charity that saves lives at sea powered by public donations.

“If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”