A 75-YEAR-OLD man has died after being spotted struggling in the sea.

A rescue operation was launched off the coast of Seaford, near Newhaven and Seaford Sailing Club, on Tuesday afternoon to try to save the pensioner.

Newhaven Coastguard received a call at about 4.15pm but discovered he had been removed from the water by a member of the public before they got there.

A resident living near the sailing club, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I first realised something was going on when the police cars turned up by the sailing club.

“There were about four or five of them there.

“When I looked out of the window there were two ambulances also there.

“I didn’t think it was anything to do with the sea because if it is the lifeboat is normally out.

“I didn’t head to the beach until I saw the Coastguard helicopter was out.

“It wasn’t there for that long and was circling the scene.

“A police helicopter turned up soon after.

“At this point there were probably about 50 people down there, all spread out watching.

“Some people were turning up from the caravan park nearby and the surrounding houses.

“We saw paramedics dealing with the man who sadly died.

“We don’t know who he is but there are a lot of holiday makers that come here to stay.”

Sussex Police carried out CPR on the man as soon as they arrived.

The first members of the Coastguard team on the scene also assisted with CPR, which was performed for about 40 minutes.

A spokesman for Newhaven Coastguard said: “Coastguard rescue helicopter 163 landed their paramedic on the beach to assist.

“A helicopter emergency medical service doctor was flown in by air ambulance but despite everyone’s best efforts, the casualty was unable to be saved.

“On behalf of the rescue teams we would like to convey our condolences to the family at this difficult time.”

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.

They were still attempting to identify the man as The Argus went to print.