THREE HOUR SEARCH WAS FALSE ALARM

Thames Coastguard were alerted after a swimmer was seen going into the water near Paglesham Creek in Essex but not coming up for air.

Coastguards scrambled two rescue helicopters to search the area and requested the launch of two RNLI lifeboats. A coastguard rescue team from Southend and the Essex Marina harbour master also assisted in the seach that lasted three hours.

The search was terminated after footprints were found suggesting the swimmer had left the water.