Two swimmers safe after dramatic Littlehampton rescue (From The Argus)

Two swimmers safe after dramatic Littlehampton rescue

8:11pm Monday 6th July 2009 in

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A helicopter landed on a beach during a dramatic coastal rescue of a grandfather and his granddaughter.

The 13-year-old was swimming off the west beach of Littlehampton at about 2.45pm today when strong currents left her stranded near the harbour arm.

Her grandfather, 84, tried to rescue her but became trapped against the structure.

The coastguard helicopter and the two Littlehampton lifeboats were launched to rescue the pair.

The male, believed to live locally, was picked up by a lifeboat.

The teenager, who had climbed onto the spit, was winched to safety by coastguard.

Both were returned to the beach before being taken by helicopter to Worthing hospital for treatment.