Police and Coastguard rescue team search for missing man on West Wittering Beach

According to Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team it was called shortly after 12.20am to reports of a missing, 'heavily intoxicated' male.

A spokesperson said: "Hayling Island Coastguard Rescue Team were also tasked and search teams were deployed to the east and west.

"Casualty was located by a Coastguard search team and brought back to the car park where we waited for an ambulance and police to arrive on scene.

"Once police and the ambulance service were on scene, the team were able to hand the casualty over to them and we stood down."

'Inflatable toys aren't designed for the beach'

Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team's previous call-out came on Sunday afternoon.

The crew was paged to reports of a person swept out to sea on an inflatable boat at Medmerry Beach shortly before 1pm.

A spokesperson said: "[We were] stood down leaving station with the person having been brought back to shore.

"Inflatable toys aren't designed for the beach and are best kept at home for use at the pool.

“The coast and the sea can catch you out whether you’re local or not. Our message remains: call 999 Coastguard if you’re in trouble. Please help us and our families stay safe. Be aware of the risks, keep your distance.”

Machinery failure

Later on Sunday, just after 4.30pm, RNLI Selsey Lifeboat Station went to the aid of a 21ft speed boat following a machinery failure.

The two occupants of the speed boat called UK Coastguards via mobile phone to say their engine had failed and gave their position as off Bognor Regis. They had been on passage from Littlehampton to Southampton.

A spokesperson said: "At 4.48pm the casualty vessel was found at anchor two miles south of Bognor Pier. Both the people on board declared they were well and ready to accept a tow line.

"The skipper retrieved the anchor before a line was passed from the lifeboat.

"The tow was established at 4.59pm and a course was set for Littlehampton Harbour.

"At 5.43pm the entrance to Littlehampton was reached and the tow was shortened before continuing into the harbour. Once inside the harbour the speed boat was brought alongside the lifeboat before berthing and at 5.54pm the vessel was safely berthed .

"The lifeboat left Littlehampton at 6.00pm and arrived back at Selsey at 6.44pm and was recovered washed down refuelled and made ready for the next call by 7.30pm."

In an emergency out at sea, on the beach or along the coast dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Have you read?: RNLI Selsey lifeboat crew kept busy as lockdown restrictions ease

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