Emergency services were mobilised to Lancing Beach following reports of a distressing discovery. The call for action came shortly after 2:30 pm when a passerby, strolling along the seafront, stumbled upon a body, prompting immediate communication with the authorities.
Responding with urgency, an assembly of units, including the HM Coastguard helicopter and the Shoreham lifeboat team who carried out a search of the local area from land and sea.