A major air and sea search was launched off Brighton seafront after reports of a man possibly in the water near Palace Pier, before emergency crews were stood down when he was found safe ashore. HM Coastguard coordinated the multi-agency response after receiving reports of a person believed to have entered the water at around 9.45pm on Thursday 16 July. Rescue teams from Newhaven and Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Teams were dispatched alongside Brighton RNLI and Shoreham RNLI lifeboats. An HM Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was also scrambled, with crews carrying out an extensive search of the coastline between Ovingdean and Hove.
Major emergency response
The incident prompted a significant emergency services presence along Brighton seafront as air, sea and land assets searched for the Missing Person" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">missing person. However, following the extensive search, police confirmed the man had been located safely on land. The search operation was subsequently stood down.
Coastguard statement
An HM Coastguard spokesperson said:
“HM Coastguard responded to reports of a man possibly in the water in the Palace Pier area, Brighton, last night (16 July).
“First informed at around 9.45pm, Newhaven and Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Teams, lifeboats from Brighton and Shoreham RNLI and an HM Coastguard helicopter were sent to conduct a search.
“The man was later confirmed to be ashore by police and the search was stood down.”
The incident concluded without anyone being recovered from the water, allowing emergency crews to return to their stations after the man was found safe.
