The emergency services were quick to respond to a shocking incident at West Mersea, with multiple lifeboats and emergency vehicles deployed to the scene.
Locals are feared to be among the victims, and the RNLI was the first on the scene, deploying two lifeboats to search for those in distress.
The currents in the area are known to be strong, and visitors are often caught off guard, but the nature of the incident remains unclear at this time.
The local police have cordoned off parts of the beach, asking the public to avoid the area and causing local issues, but they appreciate the community's patience and understanding as they work to resolve the situation.
Two air ambulances were called and landed nearby, along with a dozen police cars, a fire engine, a lifeboat, six ambulances, and a Coastguard helicopter, in a massive response to the emergency.
Witnesses described seeing 'about 18 emergency vehicles' on the scene, with paramedics and emergency responders working to assist those in need.
An eyewitness reported that 'all the paramedics I could see were down at the beach', and that 'a lot of people had their head in their hands so it was clearly a sensitive issue'.
The lifeboats from West Mersea and Clacton had been launched, but no further details have been given about the incident at this time.
The local police will continue to work on the scene, and the community is left to wait for further information and updates on the situation.
