A WINDSURFER was rescued after getting into difficulty in “choppy sea conditions”.

The Eastbourne RNLI crew were tasked to search for the windsurfer who had got into difficulty about a mile from the lifeboat station.

The man, who was not visible from the shore, had reportedly been in trouble for at least 45 minutes in “choppy sea conditions”, according to RNLI Eastbourne.

After launching an inshore lifeboat, the crew began their search in the windsurfer's last known position.

While the volunteer crew were scanning the sea with binoculars, the inshore lifeboat crew had begun the second leg of the search.

The Argus: Windsurfer rescued in after 45 minute search in ‘choppy sea conditions’ in Eastbourne Windsurfer rescued in after 45 minute search in ‘choppy sea conditions’ in Eastbourne

Eventually, the windsurfer was spotted from the shore through binoculars by volunteer crew member Tom Mele.

The inshore lifeboat crew was then able to be directed straight to the windsurfer, who had suffered equipment failure resulting in him needing assistance.

“The casualty was recovered safely ashore by the lifeboat and checked out by our paramedic crew member Guy Emery,” an RNLI Eastbourne spokesman said.

“The casualty was cold but otherwise well and very grateful for our assistance.

“This was a very experienced windsurfer with all the right equipment and did the right thing by staying with his board which assisted a successful recovery.”

The incident happened at about midday on Saturday, January 29.