A coastguard helicopter was searching the sea off Brighton and Hove late this afternoon and early this evening (Tuesday 5 September).
An RNLI inshore lifeboat from Shoreham joined the search close to the West Pier and the Peace Statue.
A shore-based coastguard team provided support.
The search was understood to be for a missing swimmer although this was unconfirmed.
With several people in the water – swimming and kayaking – those responsible for the search are understood to believe that anyone in distress would have been spotted.
The initial call was treated as having been made in good faith.
I guess still unconfirmed then ?