Coastguard and Emergency Services Join Forces in Desperate Search for Missing Individual
Yesterday, just before 4pm, a frantic search commenced off the coast of Brighton, as Coastguard teams scoured the area in pursuit of a person thought to have entered the water. A conglomeration of emergency services—including volunteers from the RNLI, Sussex Police, and other organizations—gathered near Brighton Palace Pier to respond to the distressing incident.
Undeterred, the search persisted for several hours, with Newhaven, Littlehampton, and Shoreham teams joining forces to locate the missing person.
Aerial and Aquatic Resources Deployed in Resolute Search Efforts
In a display of solidarity, two search and rescue helicopters from Lee-on-Solent in Hampshire and Lydd in Kent swooped in to participate in the search. As the sun dipped below the horizon, around 8pm, the helicopters and lifeboats shifted their focus, venturing approximately half a mile offshore.
Regrettably, the search was terminated just before 10pm, nearly six hours after emergency crews initially convened at the scene.
Storm Noa’s Fury Impedes Search Operation
As the south coast weathered the wrath of Storm Noa’s gale-force winds, lifeboats confronted towering waves in their search. With gusts reaching up to 75mph, exposed coastal areas braced for the storm’s disruptive force, as it unleashed chaos across southern England.
Andrew Hine, a witness to the search efforts, painted a picture of the “horrendous” conditions, lauding the lifeboat crews for their unwavering determination.
Footage Unveils Dramatic Glimpse into Emergency Response
Compelling footage from the scene unveiled the emergency crews’ arrival, as they painstakingly executed their search along Albion Groyne and the surrounding sea at approximately 3.50pm. Police officers, fueled by adrenaline, sprinted up the pier in a race against time.
In earlier footage, a man perched atop the groyne, waving at those on Palace Pier and clutching a life ring to attract attention.
A coastguard spokeswoman verified the extensive search operation, which encompassed numerous rescue teams, RNLI lifeboats, Sussex Police, and coastguard helicopters. The search has since been suspended.
Storm Noa Leaves Wake of Destruction in Local Communities
The tempestuous storm forced the temporary closure of Worthing Pier, as hazardous conditions rendered the area unsafe. Additionally, parts of Sussex plunged into darkness, as power outages ensued from toppled electricity lines.
