Woman saved after on shore difficulties in Thorpe Bay
Police officers and the coastguard saved the woman who was being submerged by water
Last updated 5th Jul 2023
A woman's life has been saved after police officers located her after being submerged by water as the tide was coming in.
This morning (July 5) just after 12:15am, Essex Police received a call from a woman who was becoming submerged by water as the tide was coming in.
Officers from the force were one the scene within minutes and worked with the coastguard to locate her.
As their searches continued, the woman reported becoming more submerged, with the water reaching her hips, and then later her neck and head.
Officers found the woman with aid from the coastguard just after 12:45am and pulled her to shore, before performing first aid on her.
The woman was then taken to hospital conscious and breathing, in the care of medical professionals.
One officer dislocated his finger in bringing the woman to safety and has also received medical treatment.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet told Greatest Hits Radio:
"Police officers, police staff come to work to help people and you know, clearly those officers responding have done something absolutely the heart of their job. Really, brave, really, quick thinking and and managed to to help her a person in distress as the tide was coming in and pull that individual out of the mud and away for the water and that thank goodness for that.
"I'm grateful for everyone, hope everyone makes a full recovery and a quick one.
"We go out to the seaside in the sun to have fun and but we have got to be ever so aware of the dangers of of tides coming in and out. It happens incredibly quickly that the mud on on Southend Sea front for example those estuary rivers can be really really really difficult and dangerous. So just think about your own safety and just take care when you're out there because that's a really important thing for us to think about."
In a statement from Essex Police, Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane, of the south local policing area, said:
“The actions, quick thinking and teamwork from all involved in this almost tragic incident was superb and I have no doubt this has led to a woman’s life being saved.
“We often talk about how we see our role as to help people and keep them safe; the actions of those involved early this morning show that we waste no time in putting this into practice.
“This incident could have turned out so tragically differently were it not for the officers’ drive and determination to help someone in need.”
Det Supt Kane added:
“Unfortunately, such was the difficulty in bringing the woman to safety, one officer sustained a dislocated finger and has received treatment. He will of course receive all the support he needs from us as a command team but the injury shows the lengths officers go to in order to do what is needed and I am very proud of this team this morning and would like to thank everyone involved in this search and rescue.”