LIFEBOAT volunteers were launched "into the teeth of Storm Bert" after a kitesurfer was seen in trouble off Westcliff seafront.

The coastguard in Southend alongside RNLI lifeboat volunteers launched a search shortly after 11am for a kitesurfer reported to be in trouble off Westcliff.

This came after the coastguard received a report of a windsurfer who was seen falling into the water and did not get back out.

At near low tide with very strong southerly winds gusting to "severe gale force 9", RNLI volunteers were tasked to search west of Southend Pier along the Ray channel and shoreline.

Crews carried out the search with nothing found, and spoke to other surfers in the area who reported they hadn't seen anyone in difficulty.

The coastguard's rescue team also carried out a search from the shore with nothing found.

The search was stood down at 12.15pm, with the incident recorded as a false alarm.

Volunteer helm David Hopper said: "The conditions were lively out there, but with very good visibility we were able to carry out an effective search for the kitesurfer, this turned out to be a false alarm with good intent. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard."

 

The coastguard added wind gusts upwards of 60mph caused "genuine concern if someone was struggling to get up and out of the water".