SEARCH and rescue teams from Wattisham along with coastguards and police were called to the Cliff Road area of Felixstowe early today to try to coax a woman from the sea.

A SEARCH and rescue helicopter team from Wattisham along with coastguards and police were called to the Cliff Road area of Felixstowe early today to try to coax a woman from the sea.

The rescuers were called to reports of a woman in the water, around 250m off-shore, at around 5am.

Trevor Preece, Wattisham winch man, said: “When we got to the scene police, ambulance and the rescue boat were there and the woman appeared to be standing in the sea not wanting to get into the rescue boat alongside her.

“Our downwash was the last thing needed, so we showed our presence, thinking it might coax her out of the water, and then stayed away for a bit.

“We were on scene for around 45minutes then I believe the rescue boat for a neighbour in the boat. Eventually I think they were able to grab the woman, take her ashore and put her in an ambulance.”

See today's Evening Star for the full story.