Major Rescue Operation Underway at Shoreham Port After Multiple People Get into Difficulty in Water
SHOREHAM-BY-SEA, UK – August 18, 2026 – A massive multi-agency emergency operation is currently unfolding at Shoreham Port following unconfirmed reports of four individuals encountering difficulties in the water. The incident, which began around 2:45 PM today, has triggered a significant response from various rescue teams, police, and paramedics, who have converged on the area near Shoreham Port.
Eyewitness accounts paint a vivid picture of the unfolding drama, with two air ambulances observed landing near the port, and the area awash with the flashing blue lights of emergency vehicles. A substantial contingent of police cars, Coastguard rescue units, ambulance vehicles, and multiple fire engines are actively involved in the high-stakes rescue efforts.
The magnitude of the situation has led to the complete closure of the A259, as reported by the AA, to facilitate the emergency services’ life-saving operations. A local resident, whose daughter witnessed the unfolding events from her nearby home, described the scene to The Argus. "A yellow helicopter landed by the lifeboat station, and it was followed by a red and white chopper," he stated. "There’s loads of police, loads of ambulances, fire engines. A lot of sirens."
HM Coastguard has confirmed the deployment of a comprehensive search-and-rescue team. This includes a Coastguard helicopter, rescue teams from Littlehampton, Shoreham, and Newhaven, and an RNLI lifeboat. Further assistance has been dispatched from Brighton, with lifeboats launched from the nearby station to bolster the ongoing operation.
A spokesperson for the South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed their involvement: "South East Coast Ambulance Service is currently responding to reports of four people in need of medical attention after getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour. We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene. We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible."
Sussex Police have issued a public warning, urging people to steer clear of the coastal hotspot while rescuers work tirelessly at the scene. A police spokesperson reiterated: "Emergency services are currently responding to reports of four people in difficulty in the water close to Shoreham Fort. A section of the A259 in Shoreham has been closed as the incident remains ongoing. We’re urging the public to stay clear of the area in the meantime. We will provide more information as soon as we are able to."
Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, expressed his grave concerns regarding the incident. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: "I am deeply concerned by the reports of a number of people getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour this afternoon. My thoughts are with everyone involved and their loved ones at what will undoubtedly be an extremely worrying time."
Further updates are expected as the emergency response continues at Shoreham Port. The full extent of the incident and the condition of those involved remain unconfirmed at this time.
