There were fears for four people who were reported to be in difficulty in the sea near Shoreham Harbour this afternoon (Tuesday 18 August).
The alarm was raised at about 2.45pm, with the Coastguard and Sussex Police responding. The RNLI Shoreham lifeboat launched at 2.51pm while the Brighton lifeboat launched at 3.10pm.
Two air ambulances flew to the scene and the South East Coast Ambulance Service also sent a number of crews.
One ambulance left the Kingston Beach area with a police escort and blue lights flashing.
The A259 Brighton Road was blocked both ways from Kingston Lane, Southwick, to New Road, Shoreham, as the emergency services dealt with the incident.
Sussex Police said: “Emergency services are currently responding to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort.
“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
“We will provide more information as soon as we are able to.”
The ambulance service 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.”
The coastguard said: “HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm.
“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.”
