Launched 14:40, Rehoused 17:20

Both RNLI lifeboats from Burnham-on-Crouch were called out this afternoon after reports that a swimmer had gone missing in the River Crouch at Hullbridge.

 Burnham’s RNLI volunteers launched the lifeboats after a man was reported to have disappeared from sight after entering the water at Hullbridge at low tide. 

Lifeboat crews and emergency service personnel from the police, fire service and coastguard carried out an extensive search of the area, which also involved the police helicopter, air ambulance and the rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham.  Lifeboat crew members waded into the water at the scene to try and locate the swimmer.

Following the intensive search, the man was retrieved from the water shortly before 4.30pm.  He was taken to Southend Hospital where he sadly later died.