THREE people had to be towed to safety after their boat they were on was getting pulled out to sea by the tide. 

Southend's coastguard were called into action amid reports of a person shouting for help off the coast near Rossi's ice cream parlour in Westcliff. 

Several members of the public reported hearing the cries, and both the coastguard and RNLI were called to the scene.

Despite a widespread search, the crews were unable to find anyone in distress either on land or in the water. 

But another 999 call was then made reporting three people were drifting down the estuary due to the outgoing tide and had already been carried east of Southend Pier. 

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The RNLI were able to chase after the rib and bring the boat and those on board to safety. 

A coastguard spokesman said: "With strong easterly winds and reports that the rib had initially reported their position ‘west’ of Southend Pier, it was determined that the reports of someone calling for help from the first informant were that of the rib in distress from breaking down offshore.

"The rib and three persons on board were then towed back to West Slip Shoebury, adjacent to the HM Coastguard station, all the occupants were fine and not in need of further assistance.

"HM Coastguard & RNLI rescue teams were then stood down."