Emergency services, including the Coastguard, police, and paramedics, responded to a "tragic" incident on the beach at West Mersea, Essex, on [Date of Incident]. A section of the beach at the bottom of Seaview Avenue has been cordoned off, with police focusing their land-based inquiries on an area marked by windbreakers.

The area, typically a popular spot during warm weather, saw a significant presence of emergency personnel as daylight faded. A lifeboat was observed launching and conducting a search of the water, while police officers used torches to search the shoreline.

A white Coastguard vehicle with the words Search and Rescue and Coastguard written on the site. It is on a beach and beyond it is sea. There are four people in blue boiler suits at its rear door which is open.

Authorities are advising the public to avoid Seaview Avenue and the immediate beach area while investigations are ongoing.

An RNLI boat on the sea at West Mersea. It is orange and has at least two people clad in yellow hi-vis and yellow helmets on board.