Massive early morning search for ‘distressed man in water’ near Palace Pier

Crews were called to Brighton seafront at around 2.30am this morning in high winds and heavy rain. 

Sussex Police, Shoreham RNLI, coastguard teams and a helicopter searched the seafront.

The coastguard helicopter last night (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The man was found safely ashore. 

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “A search involving police, local coastguard teams, the Shoreham RNLI all weather lifeboat and the coastguard rescue helicopter was carried out following a report that a distressed man may have entered the water near Brighton Palace Pier at 2.30am on Saturday, October 21.

“After an extensive search in challenging weather conditions, the man was found safe ashore.”