A COASTGUARD helicopter was part of a large emergency rescue after a man got into trouble in the water when his boat broke down.

Shoreham Coastguard received a call just after 9pm on Wednesday with reports of a person in the water just east of Worthing.

HM Coastguard’s helicopter from Lydd also attended, as well as Shoreham RNLI lifeboat, Littlehampton Coastguard Rescue Team and South East Coast Ambulance Service.

One man was found "clinging" to the 23ft boat, which had suffered engine failure, and was rescued by Shoreham Lifeboat crews and treated by paramedics.

Another man on board was taken to the safety of the lifeboat station and the vessel was towed back into Shoreham, the RNLI said.