A woman’s body has been discovered at Margate seafront following a multi-agency operation this morning.
A major search was launched at 3am involving Margate’s D class and B class RNLI lifeboats; the coastguard rescue helicopter from Lydd Airport; Margate and Herne Bay coastguard rescue teams; Kent Police and Kent Fire & Rescue Service after a report of a missing woman who had been swimming.
The search covered Margate harbour and Nayland Rock areas including the boating and swimming pools, also further to the east allowing for tidal drift. Visual, illuminant flares and electronic aids including FLIR were used in the search.
At 5.45am two members of Margate RNLI’s shore crew discovered the body of a women in the harbour as the water drained on the ebbing tide. South East Coast Ambulance Service along with coastguard officers and Kent Police attended and she was declared deceased at the scene.
Kent Police say at present no suspicious circumstances have been identified. Officers are continuing to conduct enquiries and will prepare a report for the coroner.
