Three casualties rescued from a yacht were among a flurry of coastguard incidents in and around Southend over the bank holiday weekend.

In a four-day stint from Thursday until yesterday, HM Southend Coastguard were involved in multiple call outs and operations.

While the exact details for all operations could not be disclosed due to operational reasons, pivotal events included sunken vessels, an automatic distress signal, and several individuals in risk of harm due to difficult conditions.

On Thursday, coastguard teams were initially called at 4.30pm to investigate reports of a sunken vessel near Half Way House.

However, due to prevailing tide conditions, an in-depth investigation was not possible, and the team were tasked to return at low tide.

After team training at the station, they returned at 8pm when they confirmed that the sunken vessel had not caused pollution and was secured.

The following day, the team was primarily concerned with supporting HM Coastguard Canvey and the RNLI Southend Lifeboat.

An automatic distress signal from a vessel near Canvey was investigated but it turned out to be a false alarm with no person in danger.

Later that night, at 11.18pm, the team helped the Essex Police and East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust in dealing with an unspecified incident at Old Leigh.

Their work continued until 2am to ensure a "safe conclusion".

Saturday posed a similar pattern with events escalating towards the evening.

At 5.15pm, they were notified about a paddle boarder struggling against offshore winds. After their intervention, the person safely reached the land.

At 5.45pm, a sunken vessel off Chalkwell was checked for trapped individuals with assistance from the RNLI lifeboat. It was later confirmed that all persons were accounted for.

Reports of suspected ordnance on Thorpe Bay Esplanade led to a late-night investigation with Army EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).

The object was eventually covered by the tide with a secured cordon in place until the return of the officers at low tide.

On Sunday, the team returned to Thorpe Bay Esplanade where the Army EOD deemed the object as harmless to the public, and the previously established cordon was then withdrawn.

At 4:31pm on Sunday, the coastguard received reports of two children on a paddle board being pulled away offshore.

But upon arriving on scene, it was determined the two people were competent swimmers with two swim tow floats.

Later that day, the team supported in rescuing casualties from a yacht which had difficulties off Southend and was towed to the end of Southend Pier.

In the end, the casualties then made their own way back via the pier train and did not require further medical assistance when met at the dry end of the pier.

The Coastguard Southend has expressed its gratitude towards helpful members of the public and continues to urge the public to call 999 for the Coastguard immediately if anyone seems to be in trouble near the coast.