UPDATE: 08/07/2025 @18:10 - A major search operation has now ended after a report of a person in the water off the coast of West Wittering this afternoon.
It's understood no one was found and the air and sea search has now been suspended, pending any further information.
HM Coastguard has been coordinating the response since late morning, deploying rescue teams from Selsey and Littlehampton, a search and rescue helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft, and lifeboats from Hayling Island RNLI.
Sussex Police were also on scene with other emergency services.
Track of Coastguard helicopter (C) FlightRadar24
A spokesperson from HM Coastguard said "HM Coastguard has been co-ordinating an extensive search and rescue response to a report of a person in the water at West Wittering received today (8 July) just after 11.30am.
Nothing has been found and the search has now been suspended pending any further information.
Coastguard rescue teams from Selsey and Littlehampton were sent, together with a search and rescue helicopter and the fixed wing aircraft, as well as RNLI lifeboats from Hayling and Sussex Police."
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