Coastguard search for suspected missing person in Eastbourne

The RNLI Eastbourne volunteer crew were called into action at about 7pm on Sunday, March 27, after reports of a missing person.

The inshore lifeboat was launched, and a search was conducted of the area.

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RNLI Eastbourne launch their vessel in search of a suspected missing person

“After a thorough search of the area with nothing found, our inshore lifeboat was stood down and returned to station,” a RNLI Eastbourne spokeswoman said.

Earlier this year, the RNLI Eastbourne rescued a windsurfer after they got into difficulty in “choppy sea conditions”.

The man, who was not visible from the shore, had reportedly been in trouble for at least 45 minutes before a search was undertaken.

He was eventually spotted through binoculars by volunteer crew member Tom Mele.

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

“The casualty was cold but otherwise well and very grateful for our assistance,” a spokeswoman said.

“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.”