A MAJOR search operation is underway after two swimmers got into difficulty off the coast of Great Yarmouth this afternoon. Emergency services were called to Britannia Pier, on Marine Parade, shortly after 2pm.

A MAJOR search operation is underway after two swimmers got into difficulty off the coast of Great Yarmouth this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Britannia Pier, on Marine Parade, shortly after 2pm.

One of the swimmers, a 20-year-old man, managed to get back to shore safely, however a second male swimmer believed to be in his mid-20s, is still missing.

Yarmouth Coastguard is co-ordinating the rescue operation which is being assisted by police, the rescue helicopter, Yarmouth and Gorleston RNLI lifeboat and Caister Lifeboat.