Both Clacton RNLI lifeboats join search for three children

The alert followed reports that the children had been seen in difficulty swimming at the Martello Tower near the Bel Air campsite. Weather conditions were clear and calm, but with a receding tide there were fears the youngsters could be taken further out to sea.

The Damarkand IV was joined in the search by Coastguard patrols on shore, UK Coastguard helicopter Rescue 163 and then by Clacton’s relief Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat.

With failing light the volunteer crew of the Clacton D class lifeboat launched flares to light up the search area. They also used night sight equipment to help see in the dark.

The lifeboats covered an area from Jaywick to St Osyth, paying particular attention to the breakwaters to see if the children had climbed onto them. Nothing was found and both boats were stood down by UK Coastguard at 9.40pm and returned to the lifeboat station.

‘Even though on this occasion nothing was found we always take reports of this type seriously,’ said crew member Richard Wigley. ‘Around 190 people drown in the UK and Ireland each year and one of the major causes is being cut off by the tide’.

‘We’d always advise people to play close attention to local conditions and tide tables when visiting the coast,’ he added.

Ends

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