Major Coastguard Search Ends Empty After Person Reported in Brighton Pier Waters

Massive Coastguard Search After Reports of Person in Water Near Brighton Pier

Just after 5:30pm, a major rescue operation got underway when HM Coastguard scrambled teams after reports of someone entering the water near Brighton Palace Pier.

Helicopter and Lifeboats Launch Into Action

The Shoreham Inshore Lifeboat and Newhaven Coastguard were immediately sent to the scene. The Coastguard helicopter 163 joined the search, combing the waters between Brighton Marina and West Pier.

Coastguard officers and Sussex Police scoured the shoreline. Soon after, Shoreham’s All Weather Lifeboat arrived, helping to widen the search between the two piers.

Two-Hour Search Ends Without Success

As dusk settled, search efforts were scaled down and eventually called off. Despite an extensive operation both at sea and onshore, no trace of the Missing Person" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">missing person was found.

Official Statement Confirms ‘Good Intent’ Report

A spokesperson for Shoreham Lifeboat RNLI said: “Both lifeboats were launched to search for a person reported to have fallen off Brighton Palace Pier this evening. Along with Shoreham and Newhaven coastguard teams, the coastguard helicopter, and Sussex Police, an extensive search was carried out at sea and along the shoreline. Nothing was found and the search was called off after two hours. The report was good intent.”

The dramatic coastguard response highlights the danger of Brighton’s waters and the vigilance of rescue services.