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Plane and helicopters join major search for missing person in sea

Zac Sherratt
·1-min read
A large number of vehicles and workers are at the scene <i>(Image: Eddie Mitchell)</i>
A large number of vehicles and workers are at the scene (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

A major search operation is under way off Brighton this afternoon after reports of a person struggling in the water.

Coastguard and RNLI crews have been searching the area of sea between the Palace Pier and Brighton Marina since the alarm was raised at 6am today, Sunday.

The Argus: The coastguard is searching above Brighton's Palace Pier down to the marina
The Argus: The coastguard is searching above Brighton's Palace Pier down to the marina

The coastguard is searching above Brighton's Palace Pier down to the marina (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

Three lifeboats, two helicopters and a coastguard plane continue to scour the area.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard was called shortly after 6am today to reports of a person being seen in the water off Brighton Pier.

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The Argus: A lifeboat battling the waves
The Argus: A lifeboat battling the waves

A lifeboat battling the waves (Image: Eddie Mitchell)

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“A coastguard rescue helicopter, coastguard rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven along with Sussex Police are conducting a search for the man between the pier and the marina.

“The search is currently ongoing.”

Dozens of emergency service vehicles are on the city’s seafront this afternoon while a large number of personnel assist the search from land.