A SEARCH was launched by the coastguard to locate a suspected missing person.

The RNLI Eastbourne volunteer crew were called into action at about 7.50pm on Thursday, April 7, after reports of a missing person.

The inshore lifeboat was launched and tasked to assist police, the coastguard helicopter and local coastguards in a search of the area.

“After a thorough search of the area with no person located and with weather conditions deteriorating, the inshore lifeboat was stood and returned to station,” a RNLI Eastbourne spokesman said.

At 6.45am on Friday, April 8, the inshore lifeboat was tasked again to assist emergency services with the continued search for the person reported to be missing.

“No further details at this time,” the spokesman added.

A Sussex Police spokesman confirmed officers were assisted by the RNLI and the coastguard in an “ongoing search for a missing person”.

The Argus: RNLI Eastbourne volunteer crew searching for a missing person. Credit: Carl Pocock RNLI Eastbourne volunteer crew searching for a missing person. Credit: Carl Pocock

Last week, a man was found dead after falling from a cliff.

Emergency services were called to the cliffs in Eastbourne, near Belle Tout Lighthouse, on Tuesday, April 5.

The coastguard conducted a search of the area and located the man’s body. He was confirmed dead at the scene.

It was the second incident of the kind in less than a week.

  • Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.