A SURFER who sparked a dangerous rescue mission has been slammed for being in the sea.
The dramatic incident unfolded today as Storm Ciara unleashed 70mph winds on the county.
The man was rescued by the coastguard more than two hours after getting into trouble.
Picture by: Mick Lepir
He was seen struggling off the coast of Hastings at about 11am, prompting a search involving the Coastguard helicopter.
He was found alive by the Coastguard about six miles away in Rye Bay shortly before 13:30.
Saffron Peterson, who phoned emergency services, said he lost his board and was being "sucked under the swell".
Brave boys from @RNLI off out to rescue some idiot surfer off Hastings in #StormCiara. Come home safe boys pic.twitter.com/6714gWmtTQ
— Paul Hogg (@upshot11) February 9, 2020
A video shared on social media shows the man wearing a wetsuit paddling through waves.
HM Coastguard said: "The surfer was seen to lose his surf board by a Coastguard team who were out on patrol this afternoon.
Picture by: Rob Carron
"The Coastguard helicopter, Hastings RNLI Lifeboat, Bexhill Coastguard Rescue Team and Ryde Bay Coastguard Rescue Team carried out the search for him."
>> SEE MORE ON THE INCIDENT HERE
Earlier, the RNLI had advised people to "stay clear of exposed areas and breaking waves" during the storm.
Tweeting a video of the incident, Paul Hogg wrote: “Brave boys from the RNLI. Off out to rescue some idiot surfer off Hastings. Come home safe boys.”
Responding to the Tweet, one person asked the windsurfer make a big donation to the RNLI.
Another added: “They should be fined and have to cover costs.”
A fourth wrote: “That is so stupid and dangerous.
"When will people learn.”
- Video by Richard Connolly
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