Man Survives Hours in Water After Boat Rail Gives Way Off West Sussex Coast

A major search and rescue operation was launched off the West Sussex coast this evening (Thursday, 14 August) after an empty vessel came aground at Felpham Beach with its motor still running. HM Coastguard received the call at around 5pm and deployed an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Littlehampton and Selsey, and […]

A major search and rescue operation was launched off the West Sussex coast this evening (Thursday, 14 August) after an empty vessel came aground at Felpham Beach with its motor still running.

HM Coastguard received the call at around 5pm and deployed an HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Littlehampton and Selsey, and RNLI lifeboats from Selsey and Littlehampton. Sussex Police were also informed and attended the scene.

At approximately 7.36pm, the crew of Selsey lifeboat spotted a casualty in the water off Littlehampton. They were recovered to shore by Littlehampton Lifeboat and taken to Littlehampton Lifeboat Station, where they were handed into the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service.

The casualty told rescuers they had entered the water around 3pm after the vessel’s side railing broke.

HM Coastguard is reminding the public to always wear a lifejacket and follow safety guidance at sea.
In an emergency along the coast or at sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

#AlwaysWearALifejacket #FloatToLive