A major search and rescue operation was launched in Suffolk, UK, yesterday after dozens of people taking part in a charity swimming race had to be pulled from the sea, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said.

More than 130 swimmers got into difficulty off the coast of Southwold, in Suffolk, with initial reports that up to 90 people were missing, an MCA spokeswoman said.

It was later revealed two swimmers, including a woman from the Kettering area, were unaccounted for despite rescue efforts. They were both later found unharmed.

Four lifeboats and a rescue helicopter were involved in the rescue, while two people were taken to Paget Hospital in Great Yarmouth with suspected hypothermia.

An MCA spokesman said it was unclear how the swimmers got into trouble as weather conditions were fine but the water was “very cold”.

Some swimmers were rescued by lifeboat while a number of people swam to shore themselves.

Everyone pulled from the water was conscious and there were no reported fatalities, the spokeswoman added. Eyewitnesses spoke of exhausted swimmers coming out of the sea and being wrapped in towels, while a lifeboat hut close to the pier was turned into a makeshift emergency centre.