By Tim Graichi Cucarella, founder of ImJustBrighton
A surfer reported in difficulties west of Brighton Marina on Friday evening was safe and well after a search that involved a Coastguard helicopter, a Coastguard rescue team, two RNLI lifeboats and Sussex Police, HM Coastguard has told ImJustBrighton.
ImJustBrighton asked HM Coastguard and Sussex Police for statements on Saturday 24 October. Both replied the same day, and what follows comes from their replies and from the RNLI and HM Coastguard’s own pages.
Alert. 5.48pm on Friday 23 October 2026, when HM Coastguard received reports of a surfer in difficulties.
Where. West of Brighton Marina, East Sussex.
Sent. An HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter, Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team, and RNLI lifeboats from Shoreham and Newhaven. Sussex Police also attended.
Stood down. Around 7pm, about an hour and ten minutes after the alert.
Outcome. The surfer was safe and well.
What HM Coastguard says
HM Coastguard’s press office gave ImJustBrighton this statement:
At 5.48pm yesterday (Friday 23 October), HM Coastguard received reports of a surfer in difficulties West of Brighton Marina, East Sussex.
An HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter, Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team and RNLI lifeboats from Shoreham and Newhaven were sent. Sussex Police also attended.
The search was stood down at around 7pm, when it was confirmed that the surfer had returned to shore safe and well.
HM Coastguard press office, 24 October 2026
What Sussex Police says
Sussex Police’s media team confirmed to ImJustBrighton that officers were alerted to a report of a possible surfer missing in the water, and that the surfer was safely located and accounted for.
Who was sent
HM Coastguard coordinates search and rescue around the UK coast. On Friday it sent its own search and rescue helicopter and the Shoreham Coastguard Rescue Team, and called on two lifeboat crews from the RNLI, the charity that runs the lifeboat service.
The Shoreham Harbour lifeboat station is on Brighton Road in Shoreham-by-Sea. Newhaven lifeboat station, on West Quay, operates a Severn class all-weather lifeboat and was established in 1803. The RNLI says its area of cover runs from Beachy Head to Brighton.
If you get into trouble in the water
HM Coastguard’s guidance says: “If you’re in an emergency on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
The RNLI’s surfing safety advice is to always wear a leash, surf between the black and white chequered flags, and surf with a mate, especially in big swell. It says to check the weather and tides before you go, know your limits, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. If you get into difficulty, it advises staying with your board, which keeps you afloat and makes you easier to find, and using a whistle when you are close to shore.
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