A MAN has died following an incident off the coast of Mersea.

Emergency services were called to West Mersea last night due to the concerns of a man in the water.

Colleagues from the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, East of England Ambulance Service, Essex Police and the RNLI rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised.

A spokesman for EHAAT said: “We were tasked to assist EEAST, Essex Police and RNLI with a patient trauma incident.

“Teams worked together on scene to optimise patient outcome.

“The patient was transferred to hospital for ongoing treatment."

The RNLI say they were on their way back from a call to a "boat with engine trouble" at the time when they were asked to assist with a man who was in difficulty in the water.

The crew went to the scene, immediately started CPR and the Coastguard arrived soon after.

The man was taken to hospital by ambulance.

However, Essex Police confirmed a man in his 30s died in hospital following the incident.

A spokesman said: “We were called at 6.50pm on Sunday, June 11, to Fairhaven Avenue, West Mersea, following concerns for the welfare of a man after he was in the water nearby and was brought to safety by two men.

“The man, 30s, was taken to hospital, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, sadly, he died later at hospital.

“A young child was also brought to safety, and he is doing well.”

Gazette: Help - the EHAAT and RNLI pictured at the sceneHelp - the EHAAT and RNLI pictured at the scene (Image: Murray MacGregor)

Mersea and Pyefleet councillor Carl Powling said it is a “tragic incident” which “highlights the dangers of open water”.

He said: “I was aware there was an incident involving which happened but can’t speak on behalf of the ambulance service themselves.

“There were lots of emergency services at the scene and to hear what has happened after, well it’s a very tragic situation.

“The emergency services were dealing with the incident at the scene and hearing what happened it is really very sad.

“We don’t know whether it was someone from the area or a visitor as we get plenty of visitors to the area especially on days like yesterday when the weather was nice.

“Whilst we don’t know the full details of the incident it does highlight the dangers of open water.

“You have got to be very careful on the island, there is all sorts of riptides and dangers to be wary of.”