Press Notice No: 112-12
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Posted 11:21 GMT

Following an overnight search on the Essex coast a missing kayaker was found deceased this morning at Bradwell.

At 3am Thames Coastguard was contacted by Essex Police who had received a call from the kayakers partner reporting that he was overdue after going out kayaking the previous afternoon between 2 and 4pm. .

Thames Coastguard launched a search of the area, involving Burnham and West Mersea RNLI lifeboats, South Woodham Ferrers Coastguard Rescue Team and Essex Police and Essex Ambulance Service. Shore searchers were also attempting to locate his vehicle in order to better pin point the starting point of his trip.

The man was found early this morning by a walker on the coast at Bradwell and was pronounced dead at the scene by Essex Ambulance Service paramedics. He was 59 years old and from the Burnham On Crouch area.

Aimee Rampton, Thames Coastguard Watch Manager said,

HM Coastguard recommends that you dont go out alone in a small craft like a kayak. Secondly, it is vital that you give full details to a shore contact including your starting point for the trip, where you are going and when you will be back.

There was a big squall which came through the area on Monday afternoon, severe enough to cause a problem to even experienced kayakers. Sadly, you cannot always predict conditions at sea even when they appear benign when you set off.

Posted By: Fred Caygill

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Press Office
023 8032 9401