Police have been trawling south Essex boatyards in an effort to indentify a man found washed up on a Southend beach.
The body was discovered off Western Esplanade yesterday morning sparking a massive search by Thames Coastguard and Southend lifeboats.
A helicopter from RAF Wattisham swept over the Thames Estuary following fears the man was not alone and other sailors had perished or were still alive in the water.
Southend's three lifeboats continued to search until nightfall.
Insp John Meggison, of Southend police, said: "We have been contacting boatyards to find out who he may be."
The body was discovered by beach cleaners at 8am just below the Cliffs Pavilion.
Officers also cordoned off the area around the body and covered it with a red blanket. The man, in his 60s, was about 5ft 6ins tall, with white or grey thinning hair.
The incident is not being treated as suspicious. Anyone with information should call coroners officer PC Steve Harris on 01702 530911.
Published Wednesday December 17, 2003
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