Man dies and another rushed to hospital after their dinghy overturns and sinks off Essex coast
A MAN has died with another rushed to hospital after their dinghy overturned and sank off the Essex coast.
The tragedy happened when the men got caught up in rough seas close to the Esplanade, Thorpe Bay, Southend, around 5pm on Thursday.
A dramatic rescue attempt got under way with paramedics, police and the coastguard rushing to the scene.
One man sadly died at the scene. His death is not thought to be suspicious, say cops.
The other was rescued from the water and conveyed to Southend University Hospital for treatment.
HM Coastguard said it was alerted to the incident at about 4.40pm.
A spokesman for RNLI Southend said it launched three rescue craft “to search for two missing persons from a capsized dinghy off Thorpe Bay Seafront”.
An air ambulance was also sent for support.
Essex Police said: “Officers were called to Thorpe Bay Esplanade at around 5pm on Thursday, 5 October following reports of a concern for safety of two people in the water.
“Essex Police supported the Coastguard, and one man was rescued safely.
“Sadly, a man was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is not believed to be suspicious, and his family are aware.”