Search for swimmer's body continues

7:52pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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Coastguard crews are still searching for the body of a swimmer believed to have drowned off Brighton beach.

Hundreds of onlookers watched as a huge rescue operation was launched after the man reportedly got into difficulties near the Palace Pier at about 3pm.

Police and coastguard helicopters hovered overhead while RNLI lifeboat and coastguard teams searched the water after several sightings of a person struggling in the heavy swell.

Mystery surrounds the circumstances but a pile of clothes were found on the beach, while some onlookers said the victim had possibly jumped from the pier.

At one stage police said the body washed up onto the beach before being taken away again in the strong currents.

Strong winds and powerful waves hindered the operation and the coastguard helicopter even had leave the search to refuel.

After three hours the air and sea rescuers were stood down, at about 6pm.

Coastguard units stayed on the beach waiting for low water later in the evening.

Colin Griffiths, from Solent Coastguard, said: “We've had every indication that there is a body in the water.

“There is a pile of clothes unaccounted for on the beach and reports of a body tumbling in the surf.

“One of the lifeguards saw it and was quite shocked, so we have positive sightings.”

Mr Griffiths said if the body was not recovered tonight a first light search could be launched this morning.