A second search and rescue operation off the Sussex coast (3 July) has now been confirmed as a false alarm, according to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The incident followed just hours after an earlier emergency near Eastbourne, which involved multiple rescue teams, lifeboats and helicopters.
In this latest call-out, HM Coastguard was alerted at approximately 4:30pm to reports of a possible ditched aircraft in the Shoreham area, prompting a swift and serious aerial response.
A spokeswoman 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.”
Residents and beachgoers around the Shoreham coast may have spotted the helicopter hovering low over the sea and surrounding area, conducting extensive sweeps.
The Coastguard has since stood down all units involved.
