Major search operation after kiteboard found on Lancing beach

A major search and rescue operation in Lancing which was sparked by a washed-up kiteboard, has been stood down after its owner confirmed he was safe.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Jun 2017, 10:21 BST

Updated 4th Jun 2017, 20:52 BST

Coastguard helicopter SUS-170406-085455001

The operation, which began at around 4.25pm on Saturday (June 3), lasted for more than three hours as Shoreham lifeboat and the Coastguard helicopter from Lydd carried out an extensive search along the coastline.

They were stood down at around 8.15pm last night, after the board’s owner contacted HM Coastguard.

After the search, a spokesman for Shoreham RNLI issued the following advice. They said: “If you own a kiteboard or sea canoe, write your contact number on it in case it’s lost. Alternatively call HM Coastguard to report it missing.”

Photos by Eddie Mitchell.