Emergency services are responding to reports of four people in difficulty in the water near Shoreham Fort, prompting a major rescue operation involving the RNLI, HM Coastguard, air ambulances and Sussex Police.
Incident details
Numerous ambulances and two air ambulances were spotted in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, close to the RNLI station on Tuesday afternoon. A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are currently responding to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort."
The A259 Brighton Road was shut in both directions between New Road and Kingston Lane due to the incident. The spokesperson added: "A section of the A259 in Shoreham has been closed as the incident remains ongoing, and we're urging the public to stay clear of the area in the meantime."
Emergency response
An RNLI spokesman said: "Shoreham RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard at approximately 3pm on Tuesday 18 August." At the scene, an ambulance was observed leaving under a police escort with blue lights flashing.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service also confirmed they were attending to reports that four people required medical assistance after encountering difficulties in the water near Shoreham Harbour. A spokeswoman said: "We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene. We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible."
Coastguard involvement
A HM Coastguard spokesman added: "HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm on 18 August." An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham. "Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended," the spokesman said.
