Response officers saved a woman’s life after she got into difficulty on the shore in Thorpe Bay.

We received a call from a woman shortly after 12.15am this morning, Wednesday 5 July, reporting that she was becoming submerged in water as the tide was coming in.

Officers were on the scene within minutes and worked alongside the coastguard to locate the woman.

During the challenging search, the woman reported that the water was reaching her hips and, a short time later, her neck and head.

Search efforts intensified and, as a result of the efforts of officers and the coastguard, the woman was located shortly after 12.45am and was pulled to shore by officers who then began performing first aid on her.

Thankfully, the woman was quickly conscious and breathing and she was left in the care of medical professionals and taken to hospital for treatment.

‘Actions led to a woman’s life being saved’

Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane, of the south local policing area, said:

“The actions, quick thinking and teamwork from all involved in this almost tragic incident was superb and I have no doubt this has led to a woman’s life being saved.
“We often talk about how we see our role as to help people and keep them safe; the actions of those involved early this morning show that we waste no time in putting this into practice.
“This incident could have turned out so tragically differently were it not for the officers’ drive and determination to help someone in need.”

Det Supt Kane added:

“Unfortunately, such was the difficulty in bringing the woman to safety, one officer sustained a dislocated finger and has received treatment. He will of course receive all the support he needs from us as a command team but the injury shows the lengths officers go to in order to do what is needed and I am very proud of this team this morning and would like to thank everyone involved in this search and rescue.”