A major emergency response was launched in Margate last night after reports of a woman in the water off the coast.

The woman was pulled to safety following a large-scale search and treated by paramedics before being taken into the care of the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Police, ambulance crews, the Coastguard, and lifeboat volunteers all rushed to the scene shortly before 9pm on Sunday (August 17).

An HM Coastguard spokesperson said:

“We coordinated the response to a report of concern made at about 8.55pm on August 17 for a woman in the water off Margate. An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was sent, as well as Coastguard Rescue Teams from Herne Bay and Deal, and RNLI lifeboats from Margate. The woman was recovered by one of the lifeboats and passed into the care of the South East Coast Ambulance Service. Kent Police also attended.”

A rescue helicopter was seen searching the coastline from Westbrook to Walpole Bay, while lifeboat crews battled fading light to recover the casualty.

Pictures from the seafront show multiple emergency vehicles lining the promenade as concerned onlookers gathered nearby.

The woman’s condition has not yet been confirmed.