RNLI pull body of Brighton man from the sea near Eastbourne

The body of a 47-year-old man from Brighton was recovered from the sea near Eastbourne on Sunday, 7 June 2026, following a major multi-agency search operation.

The body of a 47-year-old man from Brighton was recovered from the sea near Eastbourne on Sunday, 7 June 2026, following a major multi-agency search operation. 

Incident Details

• The Callout: Emergency services were alerted to the coast near Eastbourne at approximately 5:20 pm. 
• The Launch: Solent Coastguard requested the immediate launch of the RNLI Eastbourne D-Class Inshore Lifeboat, The Peter Dixon, at 5:29 pm. 
• The Recovery: Lifeboat crews located the 47-year-old man and pulled him from the water. Crews attempted lifesaving casualty care alongside other medical staff, but he was sadly pronounced deceased. 

Agencies Involved

The operation required a tightly coordinated, multi-agency response: 

• Lifeboat Crews: RNLI Eastbourne and RNLI Newhaven.
• Coastguard Teams: Eastbourne, Birling Gap, and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams.
• Air Support: HM Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 375 alongside the local Air Ambulance.
• Emergency Services: Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service. 

Current Status

Sussex Police have confirmed that the man's next of kin have been informed. Authorities stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a formal report is being compiled for HM Coroner ahead of an upcoming inquest. 

Emergency services continue to urge the public to immediately dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if they spot anyone in difficulty along the coastline.