Major Search Underway After Light Aircraft Ditches Near Rye
A frantic search is ongoing after a light aircraft crashed into the sea just half a mile off Rye Harbour in East Sussex.
Emergency Services Rush to Scene
Coastguard rescue helicopters from Lydd and Solent are combing the skies, while RNLI lifeboats from Rye Harbour and Dungeness scour the sea for any sign of the missing plane or pilot.
Shoreline Teams Join the Hunt
Rye Bay and 1 Coastguard Rescue Teams are conducting thorough shoreline searches in a desperate bid to find the aircraft or its lone occupant.
Search Continues Into Dusk
The alarm was raised at 5.05pm after reports indicated just one person was on board. So far, neither the pilot nor the aircraft have been located. Rescue teams are expected to continue searching until dusk.
At the scene:
- Two rescue helicopters
- Three lifeboats
- Two Coastguard Search and Rescue teams
The dramatic operation is ongoing as officials pray for a breakthrough.
