Thirty rescued as waves hit caravan park

4:02pm Monday 10th March 2008

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About 30 people were being rescued from a beachfront caravan park today after sea defences were breached by crashing waves and flooded the site.

Coastguard rescue officers and the RNLI were involved in the operation to move people to safety from the West Sands Caravan Park in Selsey, near Chichester.

Solent Coastguard watch assistant Steven Mann said a coastguard helicopter was helping direct rescue officers on the ground to reach stricken people, following the first call at 1.05pm.

Mr Mann said: "There are about 2,200 static caravans on the site and the sea defences have been breached, flooding some of the caravans at the park.

"The water has in some cases forced some of the caravans off their standings and flooded the area quite badly.

"No-one has been airlifted but a helicopter has been aiding ground rescue officers to get to people.

"There have been no reports of any injuries."

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service were also involved, Mr Mann said.

In October 2000, two people were injured when a tornado left a trail of destruction at West Sands Caravan Park.

About 150 caravans and a leisure complex at the park were damaged as the twister tore through the park.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We have got six pumps in attendance.

"The area affected is about a mile square and there is about 2ft of flood water that has gone into the caravan site.

"About five caravans have been affected and it is believed there are about 30 people needing assistance.

"We have got a couple of boats at the scene as well as the RNLI boat to help people out."

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