POLICE conducted a search for a missing man believed to be onboard a sinking inflatable craft.

Aleksander Saleta called the police after getting into difficulty in the water near Newhaven Fort on Monday night.

The 52-year-old said his vessel was taking on water and he was unable to get ashore.

Police, the coastguard, a rescue helicopter and a RNLI lifeboat were deployed to carry out an extensive search of the area.

The sea and coastline were searched around Newhaven Fort on Monday night and throughout Tuesday, but the emergency services were unable to locate him or the vessel.

The Argus: Aleksander Saleta called the police after getting into difficulty in the water near Newhaven Fort Aleksander Saleta called the police after getting into difficulty in the water near Newhaven Fort

Aleksander is from the Plumstead area of south east London, where he has links, police said.

Police are now appealing for information and witnesses.

Anyone who has seen him or an inflatable vessel in the area, or has any information about his whereabouts is urged to report it online or ring 101, quoting serial 1404 of 30/05.

Earlier this year, three people had to be rescued after a dinghy was blown out to sea by offshore winds, causing engine issues.

Brighton RNLI were requested to launch a lifeboat after reports of a small dinghy in trouble about 400 metres out to sea, west of Brighton marina.

The occupants were taken onboard the lifeboat and the dinghy was towed back to the marina.