Shoreham Coastguard Helicopter Search Confirmed as False Alarm

A second major search and rescue operation launched off the Sussex coast today has been confirmed as a false alarm, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

At approximately 4:30pm, HM Coastguard received reports of a possible ditched aircraft off the coast of Shoreham, prompting a swift aerial deployment involving a Coastguard helicopter.

Full Response Stood Down

A spokesperson for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:

“At approximately 4:30pm today, 3 July, an HM Coastguard helicopter was tasked to the Shoreham area following reports of a possible ditched aircraft.

After thorough searches, nothing was found and the incident was confirmed to be a false alert.”

Local Witnesses

Residents and beachgoers along the Shoreham seafront reported seeing low-flying helicopters performing intensive sweeps over the sea and surrounding areas.

This incident comes just hours after an earlier emergency near Eastbourne, which also saw a large-scale response from lifeboat teams, helicopters, and shore-based search crews.

 Situation Resolved

The Coastguard has now stood down all units involved in the Shoreham search. No injuries, aircraft, or debris were found.

Members of the public are reminded to report genuine emergencies at sea by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

Let me know if you’d like a timeline of both Sussex coast call-outs or a quote from RNLI teams added.

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