Winchelsea aircraft crash UPDATED: One person missing

One person was travelling on board a light aircraft which crashed into the sea off the coast of Winchelsea Beach, the RNLI has said.

It was intially feared that up to four people were on board the aircraft when it hit the sea.

However the emergency services have since revised this figure down to just one.

A spokesperson for the RNLI told the Observer: “Rye Harbour and Dungeness RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch this afternoon by HM Coastguard following reports of a light aircraft which ditched into the sea off Rye Harbour. Reports indicated there was one person on board.

“Rye Harbour RNLI’s inshore lifeboat launched at 5.23pm and Dungeness RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat launched around five minutes later.

“Both lifeboats and their volunteer crews are conducting searches about three-quarters-of a mile offshore between Winchelsea beach and Pett Level beach.

“Also involved in the incident are Rye Harbour and Dungeness Coastguard Rescue Teams and two Coastguard Search and Rescue helicopters.”

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