Major search and rescue operation for coastguard and lifeboat crews after reports of person in water near Deal
12:49, 10 December 2023
updated: 14:12, 10 December 2023
A person is understood to have been pulled from the sea following a search by rescue crews.
The Coastguard helicopter and lifeboat crews were both scrambled at about 11.30am following reports of someone in the water close to Kingsdown, near Deal.
There is currently a large emergency presence at Walmer Green, including a number of police and paramedic cars, the air ambulance, and other Coastguard vehicles.
KentOnline understands a person has been recovered from the sea.
An eyewitness who was in the area at about 1pm says the Coastguard helicopter landed first, followed by the air ambulance.
He added: "There were two ambulances on the scene and multiple police and coastguard.
“At around 1.30pm the ambulance left with a police escort.”
A spokesman from Walmer Lifeboat was only able to say that it is dealing with an ongoing incident.
A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson confirmed it had been coordinating the response after receiving a report of a person in the water.
They added: “Langdon Bay and Deal coastguard rescue teams have been sent along with HM Coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboats from Walmer.
“Kent Police, South East Coast Ambulance and Helimed have also been sent.
“The lifeboat crew recovered the person from the water and they were passed into the care of the ambulance service.”
The police have been contacted for more information.
More as we get it.
