RESCUERS are searching for a boat feared to be taking in water with a hole in its side.
The UK Coastguard received a broken radio message at about 2.30pm from a vessel saying it was in distress in the Newhaven area, and has heard nothing since.
The Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Lee on Solent, Newhaven RNLI Lifeboat and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team are all searching for signs of the missing vessel.
The Coastguard has also broadcast a message requesting further information from all shipping.
Jonathan Mustard, Maritime Operations Specialist for UK Coastguard, said: “We received a broken message via VHF radio this afternoon at about 2.30 pm that a vessel needed assistance because it had a hole in its side and was taking water.
"Since that time we have had no further communication with the vessel."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coastguard on 02392 552 100.
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