Brighton RNLI Lifeboat Launched for Person Drifting Off Palace Pier: Storm Austen Warning
Brighton RNLI's volunteer crew on the lifeboat (Photo: Brighton RNLI)
Brighton RNLI volunteers launched their lifeboat after a person was spotted in the water off Brighton and seen drifting towards Brighton Marina, Sussex News has reported.
The person had returned to shore by the time the crew arrived. With the RNLI now warning people to stay away from the water ahead of Storm Austen, here is what happened and what to do if you see someone in trouble.
Source: Sussex News, 13 October 2026, with the photo from Brighton RNLI. Storm advice from the RNLI, 21 October 2026.
What happened
Brighton RNLI’s volunteer crew launched at around 4.30pm on Friday 9 October after reports of a person in the water off the Brighton coastline.
The person was spotted about 200 metres east of Palace Pier. They were reportedly drifting towards Brighton Marina, 300 to 400 metres offshore.
When the lifeboat arrived, the person had returned to shore. Police and ambulance services had also been called. The crew stayed at the scene as a precaution because of concerns that the person could go back into the water.
Conditions were challenging, with rough seas and strong westerly winds. Brighton RNLI thanked its volunteer crew and the other emergency services involved.
Storm Austen: the RNLI warning
On Wednesday 21 October the RNLI urged people to take care at the coast. It said Storm Austen is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of England and south Wales from late Thursday into Friday.
If you see someone in difficulty
The RNLI’s advice is phone, float, throw:
Mr Macleod said that if you see someone in danger you should not go into the water yourself, because you could also end up in serious difficulty.
If you fall in: float to live
The RNLI says that if you find yourself in trouble in the water, you should lean back and tilt your head so your ears are in the water, then relax and breathe normally. Keep your arms and legs moving gently to stay afloat. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety.
RNLI: stay safe at the coast during Storm Austenrnli.orgYou can read more about the crew on the Brighton Lifeboat Station page on the RNLI website.
Sources
More local news is under Brighton and Hove on ImJustBrighton.
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