A massive search operation is underway following reports of a man in distress at Selsey Beach, Chichester. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, December 1, prompting an urgent rescue mission involving multiple emergency services.
Witnesses raised the alarm around 12:30 PM after spotting a man estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, with black hair and wrist tattoos, standing in the water near Kingsway. Sussex Police confirmed the man was wearing a blue top and black trousers and appeared distressed as he exited the water shortly after being seen.
At 1:10 PM, the Selsey Lifeboat was deployed to assist in the search, working alongside HM Coastguard teams. A Coastguard helicopter conducted aerial sweeps while paramedics and police officers searched both land and sea in a coordinated effort to locate the missing man.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said, “Police are appealing for information following welfare concerns for a man seen on the beach in Selsey, Chichester. After reports around 12:30 PM of a man in the water, emergency services launched an extensive search involving lifeboat crews and Coastguard teams. The search has since concluded, and further enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances.”
Despite the extensive search, the man remains missing. Authorities are urging anyone who saw the man entering or leaving the water to come forward. Witnesses can contact Sussex Police online or call 101 quoting reference number 521 of 1/12.
Local residents watched anxiously as lifeboats and helicopters combed the beach. One resident commented, “Seeing the helicopter and lifeboat out there was worrying. We’re all crossing fingers he’s found safe and sound.”
The investigation is ongoing as police work to piece together the timeline. Public assistance could be crucial in resolving this distressing case.
Originally published by UKNIP.
