Coastguards rescue after boat found

24 May 2010, 14:47 | Updated: 25 May 2010, 11:36

Coastguards trace owner of a dinghy after a 7ft boat washes up along the beach near Worthing Pier with no one on board sparking major rescue alert

At around 10.30 on Monday morning Solent Coastguard were alerted to a 7 foot open dinghy which seemingly had washed up 600 yards east of Worthing pier. The Coastguard is now urgently seeking the owner of the dinghy in order to reassure the authorities that he or any occupants are safe and sound.

The dinghy is white in colour with black trim and with a seagull outboard engine. On board were three fishing rods, a deck chair strapped down inside and some personal property. A mouldy lifejacket was also on board. A bailer was also on board and the vessels had signs of a very recent occupation. There are two identifying marks at the rear of the vessel as if it had had been towed by a trailer. There is no trailer anywhere near the location of the vessel.

When it was reported to the Coastguard the vessel had been at the location for at least an hour.

Shoreham and Littlehampton lifeboats were requested to launch and a shoreline search is now being conducted from the harbour entrance to Worthing pier offshore, whilst Coastguard teams conduct the same search onshore.

The National Coastwatch lookout at Shoreham has also been asked to keep a visual watch for any people in the water.

The vessel has now been moved further up the beach and Coastguard stickers have been placed on the craft.

Coastguards contacted Heart to say the owner has been found safe and well around 5.30pm this afternoon