A man and a dog drifting in an inflatable dinghy off the Sussex coast for three days have been found safe and rescued by emergency services, following a large-scale maritime operation on Wednesday evening.
HM Coastguard confirmed that the rescue was launched around 6:30pm on Wednesday, 18 June, after a red flare was sighted between Brighton Marina and Brighton Palace Pier.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation
A coordinated emergency response was immediately deployed, involving:
- RNLI lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton
- HM Coastguard crews from Shoreham and Newhaven
- Rescue Helicopter 175 from Solent
- Sussex Police
The man, believed to be from Afghanistan, told rescuers he had set off from the French coast in an attempt to cross the English Channel and had been adrift for three days after suffering engine failure.
Dog Rescued Alongside Owner
Also aboard the vessel was a dog, which the man reportedly adopted at a refugee camp in France. Both were described by authorities as “safe and well” at the time of rescue.
The pair were brought ashore around an hour later, before being handed over to Border Force officers for further assessment. Sussex Police confirmed their support in the operation and said that inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding the crossing are ongoing.
Coastguard Reminder to Public
A HM Coastguard spokesperson said:
“This incident demonstrates how important it is that members of the public report flares and any distress signals immediately. A quick response can save lives.”
Anyone who sees someone in trouble at sea is reminded to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Background: Channel Crossings & Maritime Risks
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about dangerous migrant crossings via small boats and dinghies. Experts and rescue crews warn that such journeys are often life-threatening, with unpredictable tides, overcrowded vessels, and unsuitable equipment frequently leading to distress situations.
The Home Office and Border Force have not yet released a statement about the rescued individual, though further details may follow pending investigation outcomes.
