A woman who was seen entering the sea from Weymouth Esplanade late on Saturday night has still not been located, as police continue a search operation and appeal to the public for information.
Dorset Police received a report at around 11.05pm on Saturday 8 August from a member of the public who had become concerned after seeing a woman enter the water. She is not believed to have returned to the shore.
Officers, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, HM Coastguard and the RNLI, have been carrying out searches in and around the Weymouth seafront.
The woman is described as being of average build with long hair. At the time she entered the water, she was wearing a long, flowing dress which was lighter in colour towards the top.
Police say they have searched the beach area but have so far found no belongings that could help establish her identity or whereabouts.
Inspector Mark Latter, of Dorset Police, said officers were becoming increasingly concerned for the woman’s welfare.
“We are growing increasingly concerned for the woman’s welfare and are carrying out enquiries to locate her,” he said.
He confirmed that the woman was alone at the time of the incident and urged anyone who may have seen her in the Weymouth Esplanade area around the time she entered the water to come forward.
Police have also issued a direct appeal to the woman herself.
“If she has left the water and is safe and well,” Inspector Latter said, officers are asking her to contact them.
The incident has prompted a significant emergency response, with specialist resources from several agencies involved in efforts to establish what happened.
The circumstances surrounding why the woman entered the water remain unclear, and police have not released her identity or any further information about her.
Anyone who was in the Weymouth Esplanade area at around 11pm on Saturday night and believes they may have seen the woman is urged to contact Dorset Police.
Anyone with information is asked to call 999, quoting incident number 8-598.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the woman walking along the Esplanade, entering the water, or subsequently leaving the area.
The search remains ongoing as officers and partner agencies work to establish the woman’s whereabouts and ensure her safety.
