Solent Coastguard asked for assistance to evacuate people trapped as the sea defences at Medmerry Beach and from the Embassy Club to the west had been totally breached due to the storm force winds and a high spring tide, at 1.45pm.

The inflatable X class boat and a crew of four dressed in dry suits were dispatched by road to the coordination point at Medmerry Windmill.

Also in attendance were West Sussex Fire and Rescue teams, local coastguard units and the coastguard helicopter.

Coordinated by local coastguards, the X boat and crew were directed to various caravans, which resulted in them evacuating five women, three men, one of whom was disabled, and two children.

A thorough search of all the caravans in the flooded area was carried out by the lifeboat crew, fire personnel and coastguards until it was established everyone at risk had been evacuated.

At 6.30pm the crew of R Archibald, P Delahunty, W Moir, G Pearce and boat were released to return to the station.