HERO kayakers rescued a man who “suffered serious injuries” after he reportedly dived into waist-deep water from a boat in Leigh. 

An air ambulance and multiple emergency services attended the scene on Bell Wharf Beach, Leigh, on Saturday evening. 

A man was taken to Southend Hospital for treatment, with reports on social media suggesting he suffered serious injuries.  

The coastguard confirmed the man had been recovered by nearby members of the public in kayaks and brought to shore, before he was taken to hospital. 

James Courtenay, councillor responsible for public protection, said: “I am so sorry to hear about this incident and wish the man a speedy and full recovery from his injuries.

“Although council services weren’t involved in the response, full credit goes to the emergency teams who did an amazing job to help the man and get him to hospital.

“Incidents like this are awful and serve as a poignant reminder to always be careful and cautious in and around the water.

“Please take care of tide times, riptides and follow any warning signs or instructions from officials to stay safe.”

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed an air ambulance, two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle, were sent to the scene on Saturday at around 6.20pm.

Coastguard rescue teams from both Southend and Canvey were alerted to the incident as well as Southend RNLI’s inshore lifeboat.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 6.20pm on Saturday with reports that a man had been injured diving in Bell Wharf Beach, Leigh.

“We sent Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance officer vehicle.

“The patient was taken to Southend Hospital by land ambulance for further care.”

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency added: “A man was reported to have gone into the water from a boat off Leigh on Saturday.

“The alarm was raised at about 6.20pm and coastguard rescue teams from Southend and Canvey were alerted, as well as Southend RNLI’s inshore lifeboat.

“The casualty was recovered by nearby members of the public in kayaks before being taken into the care of East of England Ambulance Service.”