Emergency services launched a large-scale search operation off the coast of Selsey on Sunday (11 February) following reports of a person in the water.
HM Coastguard confirmed that two search and rescue helicopters were deployed after receiving the report at around 11:20 am. Selsey and Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Teams were also dispatched, along with the RNLI’s inshore and all-weather lifeboats from Selsey.
Sussex Police were alerted, and officers assisted in the operation after a possible sighting of a lifeless body in the water near Selsey Beach at around 12 pm.
However, despite extensive searches carried out by the Coastguard and RNLI teams, no missing persons were reported, and no one in distress was located.
HM Coastguard stood down the response at around 2 pm, while police confirmed that searches were officially concluded at 2.15 pm.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
