Woman dies after getting in trouble in North Sea near Redcar
A woman who was "simply enjoying a swim in the sea" has died, a council leader said.
Redcar and Cleveland council are expressing their sadness, after a woman died when she got into difficulty in the sea.
A major rescue operation was launched near the Majuba car park in Redcar yesterday evening, around 7:15pm.
It's believed the woman and her friends had been swimming in the North Sea when the incident happened.
Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "I know everyone here at the council and across the community will be upset to hear of the awful news of the death of a woman who was simply enjoying a swim in the sea with friends off the coast of Redcar.
"Our hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her.
"We also think of those who were with her last night and all those who did so much to try and help including the RNLI, North East Air Ambulance and at James Cook Hospital."
Cleveland Police officers were called after concerns were raised about the swimmer.
A spokesman said: "The woman was taken to hospital by ambulance service colleagues but sadly later died.
"Our thoughts remain with the woman's family and friends at this extremely difficult time."