Two people were taken to hospital with serious injuries after falling from Brighton’s derelict West Pier into the sea on Tuesday afternoon.
Shoreham Coastguard, Newhaven Coastguard, and RNLI Brighton were all paged following multiple emergency calls around 12.30pm reporting individuals in trouble in the water near the iconic but unstable structure.
On arrival, emergency services found both individuals had already exited the water but sustained serious cuts and one suspected dislocated shoulder. Both were treated by paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) before being taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital for further care.
A spokesperson for SECAmb said:
“South East Coast Ambulance Service was called to reports of someone in need of medical attention near West Pier, Brighton, shortly after 12.30pm today.
Ambulance crews assessed and treated one person who had been rescued from the water before taking them to Royal Sussex County Hospital for further medical treatment.”
HM Coastguard issued a strong warning in response to the incident:
“Climbing on old structures in or over water, tombstoning, or jumping into water from height is dangerous. There’s always a possibility of submerged rocks, metal, or shallow water. DON’T DO IT – STAY SAFE!”
The West Pier, which has been derelict for years, is structurally unsafe and not intended for public access.
In a costal emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
