Woman Found Dead in Sea Near Folkestone After Dramatic Rescue
A major rescue mission swung into action off the Folkestone coast after a female was spotted unconscious, face down in the water just after midday on Thursday.
Rescue 163, RNLI and Border Force Join Forces
The Border Force RIB Athena first spotted the woman and made several attempts to recover her. The Coastguard rescue helicopter Rescue 163 and the RNLI Littlestone lifeboat quickly joined the operation.
Paramedics on board the helicopter airlifted the casualty to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford. Initial reports suggested the woman might be a migrant, but that has now been ruled out and all search efforts have been called off.
Police Confirm Death, Family Notified
Kent Police said: “We were called at 12.07pm on Thursday, 24 March, after a body was seen in the water off Folkestone. Officers, RNLI, Coastguard, and Border Force attended. Sadly, a woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
“Formal identification is pending, but the family of a 63-year-old woman reported missing on 23 March have been informed.”
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.”
This tragic incident marks a sad end to a frantic search. More updates to follow as police investigations continue.
