Migrant and dog located “safe and well” by rescue crews and handed over to Border Force
A man and a dog have been rescued off the coast of Brighton after reportedly drifting at sea for three days in an inflatable dinghy.
Emergency services, including RNLI lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton, HM Coastguard, Rescue Helicopter 175 from Solent, and coastguard rescue teams from Shoreham and Newhaven, launched a coordinated response at around 6:30pm on Wednesday after a red flare was spotted between Brighton Marina and Brighton Palace Pier.
A HM Coastguard spokesperson confirmed the man was located “safe and well” in a vessel that had reportedly experienced engine issues.
The man, believed to be from Afghanistan, told rescuers he had attempted to cross the English Channel and that he had found the dog in a refugee camp in France.
The pair were safely brought ashore approximately an hour later.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said the force had assisted HM Coastguard during the incident and that the man and the dog were later handed over to Border Force officials.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the crossing and rescue.
📞 In a coastal emergency, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
