Photos show emergency response at Sussex pier as two rescued from sea

Two people were pulled from the sea, near Brighton Palace Pier.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “Emergency services responded to a report of concerns for a man’s welfare in the sea near Palace Pier, in Brighton, on Sunday night (June 28).

“Members of the public entered the water and recovered the man from the sea soon after 9.30pm.

“A woman, who had been in the water with him, was also helped out of the sea by the public.

“The man was treated by paramedics at the scene and was taken to hospital.”

HM Coastguard confirmed that a report came in of two people in difficulty in the water at Brighton Pier.

A spokesperson added: “Coastguard Rescue Teams from Newhaven and Shoreham, an HM Coastguard helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Sussex Police were all sent.

“The two people were recovered to the shore and taken to hospital by ambulance.”

Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) joined the emergency response, following ‘concerns for the welfare of people in the sea’.

A spokesperson said: “Crews attended the incident and treated a man and woman at the scene. Both patients were taken to hospital for further medical treatment.”

The incident came amid a particularly busy period for Brighton's RNLI volunteers, who responded to a series of water-related emergencies along the city's coastline in recent days.

On Saturday evening, Brighton RNLI's volunteer crew was tasked following ‘reports of a kayaker in difficulty’. It was reported around 100 metres offshore, opposite the bandstand.

A statement from Brighton Lifeboat Station read: “The man had exited his kayak and entered the water. He was reported to be shouting for help and was not wearing a lifejacket. Members of the public entered the sea to assist before the lifeboat arrived.

“Thankfully, the casualty was helped back into his kayak by members of the public and was no longer in immediate danger. Brighton Lifeboat was stood down before reaching the scene.

“This incident is an important reminder to always wear a suitable lifejacket or buoyancy aid when heading out on the water. If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

On Thursday, the volunteer crew rescued six people, during four separate incidents, in a single evening.

A Facebook post, on June 26, read: “One evening. Four incidents. Six people rescued.

“Our volunteer crew were kept exceptionally busy on Thursday evening, responding to multiple incidents involving swimmers, paddleboarders and a kayaker caught out by strong offshore winds.

“Thankfully, everyone was brought safely ashore.

“Many of the people we helped weren't wearing lifejackets or buoyancy aids, and all of the incidents happened shortly after the lifeguard service had finished for the day.”

On June 24, Brighton RNLI was also tasked after reports that two women were in the water, near Shelter Hall, and heard ‘shouting for help’. Three off-duty lifeguards reached them before the lifeboat launched and safely assisted them ashore.

Following those incidents, the RNLI urged anyone heading onto the water to check weather and wind conditions, be aware of lifeguard patrol times, wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid when using kayaks or paddleboards, and carry a means of calling for help. The charity also reminds the public that anyone who sees a person in difficulty at the coast should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.