Coastguard helicopter joins Hastings sea search

A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said the search began at around 8pm after a 5ft rubber dinghy containing ‘personal effects’ was found washed ashore near the Debenhams in White Rock Road.

The MCA spokesman said the boat appeared to be partially deflated and contained a pair of trainers and oars.

Hastings RNLI’s inshore lifeboat were quickly on scene, searching the shoreline between the pier and the harbour arm. The RNLI says this included a thorough search under the pier.

Unable to find any signs of trouble, the RNLI crew was stood down as the light faded. The coastguard helicopter from Lydd was scrambled to continue the search using its infrared spotlight.

Nothing was found and the search was stood down just before 11pm.