A significant response unfolded at Southend Pier last night following reports of two men jumping into the sea. Emergency services, including the Essex Police, East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, and RNLI Southend Lifeboat, were alerted to the situation at approximately 10:25 PM.
Emergency Response Teams Mobilized
In a “time-critical response,” multiple units quickly arrived at the scene. Southend Coastguard Officers headed to the end of the 1.3-mile-long pier to conduct thorough searches of the pier and the surrounding waters. A police helicopter assisted in aerial reconnaissance to locate any signs of the individuals.
- Services involved:
- Essex Police
- East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- RNLI Southend Lifeboat
- Southend Coastguard
- National Police Air Service (NPAS)
- Location: Southend Pier, Essex
- Time of incident: 10:25 PM
Southend Hovercraft was also deployed to search underneath the pier, as visibility for officers was limited. After a comprehensive search of the area, including the mud flats and surrounding waters, no individuals were located. As a result, all emergency teams were called back.
Community Concerns Over Pier Safety
HM Coastguard Southend expressed their gratitude towards the Pier & Foreshore security officer and the RNLI for their assistance during the operation. They also noted an alarming trend of individuals, particularly teenagers, engaging in “tombstoning” — the act of jumping off piers into the water.
According to the coastguard, local piers and jetties have experienced increased incidents of tombstoning in recent years. The most commonly affected locations include:
- Barge Pier, Garrison
- Gilson Pier, Marine Parade
- Bell Wharf, Old Leigh
Despite existing warning signs and restricted access intended to deter this dangerous behavior, vandalism continues to compromise safety measures. The coastguard has warned that local jetties can have hidden dangers and unpredictable tidal flows, making such jumps extremely hazardous.
