Littlehampton RNLI: 999 call sparked search for swimmer between Elmer and Felpham

According to Littlehampton RNLI, a 999 call came in, on Tuesday evening (February 8), from a member of the public expressing concern for a 'possible swimmer in difficulty'.

HM Coastguard tasked Littlehampton RNLI to launch and search the near shore area between Elmer and Felpham.

"As dusk drew in the volunteer crews were paged, launching the station’s Atlantic 85 Renee Sherman inshore lifeboat," an RNLI spokesperson said.

"The lifeboat headed west arriving at the position of the reported sighting at 5.52pm, just offshore from Elmer.

"With no immediate indication of a casualty in the water a shore parallel search was commenced westwards following the prevailing tidal flow."

To 'increase visibility on the water', the crew launched a white parachute flare at 6.20pm, illuminating the sea surface over a broad area.

Following an extensive search, HM Coastguard stood down the operation at 7.04pm and the lifeboat headed back to the RNLI boathouse in Littlehampton at Fisherman’s Quay.

Simon Tann, deputy launch authority at Littlehampton for this incident, said: ‘We thank the member of the public who called 999, asking for the Coastguard, for their vigilance.

"Although on this occasion our volunteer crew did not find any indication of a casualty in the water our charity is available 24/7 to assist those in distress at sea.

"The support of members of the public as eyes and ears to potential incidents is a key element of our life saving capabilities and we would always encourage calling 999 if there are any concerns about persons or animals in the water."

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