HM Coastguard Southend rescued a woman in the water in Chalkwell after members of the public raised concerns for her safety.

Southend Coastguard arrived on the scene to find a person who was standing at end of an outlet pipe with an incoming tide, fully clothed, carrying three large bags trying to board her partners "Snap Dragon 26ft vessel". 

The female's partner and, owner of the vessel, had previously swam out and boarded it from the water before the couple then tried to meet at the end of the outlet pipe.

HM Coastguard Southend posted details of the event on its social media pages: "Coastguard rescue officers prepared themselves in event that a snatch rescue was needed if the female slipped and fell into the water, fully clothed, with three heavy bags.

Echo:

To the rescue - the Lily Coastguard Rescue Vehicle

"Essex Police were also called over concerns for the females welfare.

"Whilst Southend Coastguard and Essex Police were trying to direct the female to come back along the outlet pipe to the safety of the beach, RNLI Southend Lifeboat were then called to perform a welfare check on the male owner of the vessel and establish their intentions of where they were trying to sail to.

Echo:

On standby

"The female had then found a way to board the vessel.

"RNLI then proceeded to shore to update Southend Coastguard and Essex Police.

"Dover Coastguard were then provided with a situation report and stood down rescue teams who returned to station.

"Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life."

Echo:

Risky move - the woman with heavy bags making her way to her partner's vessel