A huge sea search off the Kent coast was for a man reported missing 100 miles away.
Multiple emergency service vehicles – including a helicopter and lifeboats – were called to the Hythe area shortly before 2pm on Tuesday after a man went missing in the water at Princes Parade.
Coastguards continued to patrol the area yesterday, following reports of a person going missing in the sea between Hythe and Sandgate on January 7A coastguard helicopter searching the sea between Sandgate and Hythe
Today, the coastguard confirmed it ceased operations at 4pm yesterday.
Police told KentOnline the man’s family from Berkhampstead in Hertfordshire, had been informed.
Five coastguard teams from nearby areas such as Deal and Folkestone were called to assist – with spotlight searches continuing throughout the night.
A police spokesperson told KentOnline: “Shortly before 2pm on January 7, it was reported to Kent Police that a man had entered the water near to Princes Parade in Hythe and had not returned to shore.
“Officers attended along with other emergency services and have been supporting a search operation led by HM Coastguard.
“The family of a 25-year-old man reported missing from Berkhampstead in Hertfordshire have been informed.”
Multiple agencies descended following reports of a person going missing in the sea between Hythe and Sandgate on January 7Lifeboats have been seen searching the water in Hythe and Sandgate
About three RNLI lifeboats could be seen systematically searching the coastline throughout Tuesday afternoon with the assistance of a helicopter.
Speaking from the scene, an eyewitness told KentOnline: “I heard a helicopter flying low, came outside and multiple agencies can be seen on land, in the sea and air, searching the bay between Hythe and Sandgate.
“Various people have stopped to watch.”