A WOMAN who wandered into the sea in a drunken state has been criticised after her actions led to 15 rescuers being scrambled into action.

The woman, aged 39 and from Howdon, was dragged from the water at Longsands, Cullercoats last night.

Reports of a woman entering the sea fully clothed were received from two distressed callers by the Humber coastguard at 9.44pm.

RNLI lifeboats were immediately launched from Cullercoats and Tynemouth to search for her.

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade were also called out to assist from shore.

Such was the possible seriousness of the incident a search and rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer was also requested, but weather conditions prevented it from taking off.

Shortly after launching, the lifeboat arrived on the scene where the volunteer crew found the woman's companions trying to help her from the water.

She was recovered from the sea and assisted up a ramp to a waiting ambulance, but strongly refused medical treatment.

An RNLI spokesman said: "It appears the casualty had consumed a certain amount of alcohol before entering the water.

"Entering cold water can immediately put someone into shock and it's only luck that prevented her from drowning.

"15 volunteers from the RNLI and Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade were involved in this rescue, together with police and paramedics, and the watch officers at Humber Coastguard."