A coastguard operation was launched after three people were cut off by the tide in Southend.

The rescue, which took place around 7.25pm yesterday (July 21), saw the three beachgoers cut off by the tide and left struggling to make it back to shore.

The team were tasked to the mission by a staff member working at Sands by the Sea at Adventure Island, while Southend RNLI were also requested.

But as crews from the coastguard and RNLI were mustering at their respected stations, it was confirmed that the trio had now made it back safely to the beach.

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While the three people had made it back to shore safely, Dover MRCC requested coastguard officers try and locate them to check they were okay and provide some safety advice.

Officers searched the site, but it appeared the three people had now left the area, so the team were stood down.

A spokesman from Southend Coastguard, said: "Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard - you could save someone’s life."