Coastguard call-outs where rescue services helped those at risk in Essex almost tripled last year.

Figures for 2002, which were released this week, show that rescue teams were called out 283 times and they rescued 151 people. During the year 1018 people who were at risk but not in need of physical rescue at the time were helped, a huge increase on 391 in 2001.

This increase was partially due to a small passenger vessel carrying 491 people that broke down in the sector.

Call-outs have increase by 10 per cent in the Bradwell and Southend sector of HM Coastguard.

The sector covers Colchester to Thurrock, including teams from West Mersea, Bradwell, Burnham, Southend and Canvey Island.

Bradwell Coastguards covering the Maldon and Dengie area received the highest number of calls at 74.

Incidents covered by the sector include a man who drowned at South Woodham Ferrers when his yacht capsized and sank and a water bike accident at St Lawrence Bay which saw the death of a man in the River Blackwater.

The West Mersea coastguard team was called out 37 times to the Colchester and Heybridge area, and coastguards called for the launch of West Mersea lifeboat 44 times and Burnham lifeboats 36 times.

The top three list of call-outs included accidents involving motor boats, 81, persons, 64, and sailing yachts, 49.

Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003

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