Tragedy in the English Channel
A desperate search and rescue mission in the English Channel ended in tragedy this Sunday after a man went overboard from a boat. The multi-agency operation, involving lifeboats, a helicopter, and a plane, culminated in the recovery of a body from the sea near the Rampion wind farm off the coast of Brighton.
Major Search Operation Launched
The alarm was first raised at approximately 10:20 am by a woman on board the vessel, which is believed to have been a catamaran. HM Coastguard was alerted to reports of a person going overboard off Newhaven and subsequently informed Sussex Police around 80 minutes later at 11:40 am.
A large-scale search was immediately coordinated, utilising significant resources. Lifeboats from Shoreham and Newhaven were dispatched to the scene, supported by a Coastguard Rescue Helicopter and a fixed-wing Coastguard aircraft. Two nearby vessels also joined the effort to locate the man in the water.
Body Recovered from the Sea
Despite the extensive efforts of all involved, the search led to the heartbreaking discovery of a body. A spokesman for Sussex Police confirmed that the man was recovered from the sea and that his next of kin have been informed.
"Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time," a police spokesman said, offering condolences to the man's family. The police have stated that enquiries into the precise circumstances of the incident are ongoing.
