An RAF helicopter was launched to search Southend seafront after the body of a man dressed in wet weather clothing was washed up on the beach today.
Mystery surrounds how and why the man, who was possibly a fisherman, met his death and a search and rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham searched the Thames Estuary this morning in case other sailors had perished or were still alive in the water.
Police were trying to establish the identity of the man to work out whether he was alone or with other crew members.
The body was discovered by beach cleaners just below the Cliffs Pavilion. Officers also cordoned off the area around with tape and covered it with a red blanket.
Officers stood by to guard the scene to preserve evidence although the death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.
A spokesman for Essex Police said: "The discovery was made by a workman shortly after 8am. The body was fully clothed in sailing gear and was wearing a life jacket and appears to have been washed up from the Thames Estuary.
"Police are trying to identify the man and are working with the coastguard to ascertain if he came from a vessel in distress and if other people are missing."
Published Tuesday December 16, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article