Police are searching missing persons files to try to identify a man swept into the sea from the Palace Pier, Brighton, on Friday night.
He was spotted clinging to girders under the pier by security staff at about 6.15pm.
Despite desperate rescue attempts he was dragged under by huge waves.
An air-sea rescue operation involving lifeboats, the Solent Coastguard helicopter and more than 50 people failed to locate him.
Inspector Dick Shelton appealed for anyone who knew the victim - said to be in his late 20s, white with brown hair and wearing a dark top and blue tracksuit trousers - to call police on 0845 6070999.
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