A major emergency search began on Sunday, September 29, after abandoned clothes were discovered on Aldwick Beach, raising concerns that a swimmer had gone missing.
The UK Coastguard quickly mobilised multiple teams, including Sussex Police and local lifeboat crews, to conduct a thorough search of both sea and shore. The Selsey RNLI all-weather lifeboat (ALB) was launched at 2:44pm, supported by lifeboats from Littlehampton, Hayling, and the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 175.
The Selsey lifeboat performed a creeping line ahead search pattern, carefully scanning the waters for any sign of the missing woman believed to have entered the sea. Meanwhile, the Littlehampton lifeboat searched along the coastline, and six Selsey RNLI crew members combed the sands from the Coastguard station to Pagham Harbour.
Despite challenging conditions with southerly winds at force 6 to 7 and moderate seas, good visibility aided the intense search operation.
At 4:07pm, the Bembridge lifeboat joined the search, covering an area southwest of Selsey Bill. After several hours of coordinated efforts by air, sea, and land teams, the search was called off at 5:16pm.
The UK Coastguard later confirmed that the missing woman was found safe and well, inland and away from the water.
This swift and coordinated response highlights the dedication of the Coastguard and volunteer crews committed to ensuring the safety of seaside visitors.
Originally published by UKNIP.
