A SEARCH was launched by the coastguard to locate a missing base jumper.

The RNLI Eastbourne were called into action at about 11.15am on Saturday, May 14, to help search for a base jumper that had been reported overdue by concerned members of his family.

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

The base jumper was located by the coastguard.

“He was found to be safe and well, and waiting for the tide so he could make his own way back safely to Birling Gap,” a RNLI Eastbourne spokesman said.

“The lifeboat was then stood down and returned to station.”

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 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.”