A 39-year-old woman has died after being rescued from the sea off Folkestone.

A major rescue operation involving the coastguard, Dover lifeboat and rescue helicopter from Lydd was launched to try and find the woman from Folkestone, who had been reported missing.

Coastguard teams on the shore also carried out a search in strong gales after the woman disappeared from the Sunny Sands in Folkestone harbour.

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It is understood she was later found near the The Stade and was taken to hospital by the search and rescue helicopter.

Despite the efforts of medics, she could not be saved.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called by the coastguard at 6.54am following a report of a woman in the sea at Folkestone.

VIDEO: Emergency crews at the scene of the rescue

"Coastguard rescue teams, the helicopter, and the Dover lifeboat went to the sea off the harbour area.

"South East Coast Ambulance Service went to the scene and a woman was taken to a local hospital.

VIDEO: The helicopter takes off from Folkestone and lands at the William Harvey Hospital

"Sadly, despite the best efforts of rescuers the lady involved, a 39-year-old from Folkestone has died.

"The incident is not thought to be suspicious and Kent Police officers are preparing a report for the coroners. The next of kin have been informed."

In a statement released by the RNLI, a spokesman said the the lifeboat crew were unable to get close to her because of the many rocks in the sea and wave conditions in the area.

Robert Bendhiaf, duty coxswain of Dover RNLI lifeboat, said: “The conditions were pretty bad, and obviously all parties were very concerned about the woman.

“This is a tragic outcome and we are all very sad that she did not survive.

“As with many of our launches, we do not yet know the reasons why this woman was in the sea, but needless to say it is an awful outcome and the crews’ thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young lady.”