The coastguard is leading an operation to save two swimmers believed to be in trouble in the waters off Felixstowe Pier.

Ipswich Star: Coastguard teams are searching for swimmers missing off the coast of Felixstowe. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELLCoastguard teams are searching for swimmers missing off the coast of Felixstowe. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELL (Image: Archant)

There are currently three incident response units, two Coastguard teams, two ambulances and four police response cars at the scene.

An Essex and Herts air ambulance has landed in Langer Park and is waiting on standby.

MORE: Swimmers found ‘safe and well’ after huge search off Felixstowe beach

A crowd of people are waiting anxiously on the prom and Pier Bight outside Felixstowe Pier for news.

One man said: “It’s just horrible to think what has possibly happened. There seems to be something awful along the coast every summer.

“We swim here but we never go out far - the current can be quite strong just a little way offshore.”

A man on a day trip from Ipswich with his wife and two children said: “I just hope there is some good news soon. We have been standing here hoping and praying.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “At just before 11.30am today, HM Coastguard received a report of two swimmers potentially in difficulty off of Felixstowe Pier.

Ipswich Star: Scenes by Felixstowe Pier as a search operation is underway for two swimmers after getting into difficulty Picture: CHARLOTTE BONDScenes by Felixstowe Pier as a search operation is underway for two swimmers after getting into difficulty Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND (Image: CHARLOTTE BOND)

“Dover Coastguard sent Felixstowe Coastguard Rescue Team and Harwich ALB and ILB lifeboats and Walton ALB to the scene.

“East of England Ambulance Service are in attendance, as well as a medical helicopter. Searches are currently ongoing.”

Suffolk police were called at 12.40pm today to support the coastal services after a number of swimmers were reported having difficulty off Felixstowe Pier.

Harwich RNLI received the call at 11.30am and dispatched two lifeboats to the scene where they are helping in the waters off Felixstowe beach.

Ipswich Star: Rescue teams are searching for swimmers missing off the coast of Felixstowe. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELLRescue teams are searching for swimmers missing off the coast of Felixstowe. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELL (Image: Archant)

A spokesperson said: “We don’t have any more details at this time but can only hope the rescue operation will be successful and the swimmers are found safe.”

An Essex and Herts air ambulance has also been called to the scene and pictures show several land ambulances in attendance too.

Ipswich Star: The coastguard are leading a rescue operation to find swimmers in difficulty in the waters off Felixstowe seafront. Picture: ALPER EKINThe coastguard are leading a rescue operation to find swimmers in difficulty in the waters off Felixstowe seafront. Picture: ALPER EKIN (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Swimmers missing off the coast have Felixstowe have sparked a huge emergency response. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELLSwimmers missing off the coast have Felixstowe have sparked a huge emergency response. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELL (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Crowds of people are waiting for news about the swimmers reported missing off the Felixstowe coast. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELLCrowds of people are waiting for news about the swimmers reported missing off the Felixstowe coast. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELL (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: An air ambulance has joined the search for the swimmers missing off the coast of Felixstowe. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELLAn air ambulance has joined the search for the swimmers missing off the coast of Felixstowe. Picture: RICHARD CORNWELL (Image: Archant)