Swimmer rescued in Winterton by lifeboats and helicopter

The lifeboats and a Coastguard helicopter were involved in the search for a swimmer who went missing in the sea off Second Avenue in Winterton yesterday afternoon.

The Casiter and Hemsby inshore lifeboats were launched at 4pm followed by the larger all-weather boat at 4.30pm and began making coordinated search patterns of the area. 

Hemsby Inshore Lifeboat were involved in the search (Image: Hemsby Lifeboat) During the search, reports emerged that shouts for help could be heard in the vicinity. 

As time became more critical, an HM Coastguard helicopter joined the search efforts.

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A crew member on the Caister inshore lifeboat finally spotted the person in water three-quarters of a mile from the beach and the crew were able to recover them from the water.

The HM Coastguard helicopter winched the casualty from the lifeboat to the shore where they received further treatment from an ambulance crew. 

An image taken from Caister Lifeboat (Image: Caister Lifeboat) A spokesman for Hemsby Lifeboat said: "This incident was another excellent example of a well-coordinated search operation involving Hemsby and Caister Lifeboats, along with the Coastguard.

"We are thankful that the casualty was found and rescued quickly.

"We remind everyone that when swimming in the sea, open water, or rivers, buoyancy aids should always be used.

"Our sincere thanks go to the Coastguard and Caister Lifeboat for their invaluable assistance."