The UK Coastguard requested the launch at 5.00 p.m. on Saturday 12th June after receiving reports that a kayaker was missing between Selsey Lifeboat station and Pagham.
The Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was first to launch at 5.09 p.m. and commenced a shoreline search towards Pagham. The all-weather Lifeboat (ALB) launched at 5.13 p.m. commenced a search 500m offshore towards Pagham. The Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 175 also joined the search. The weather on scene was wind south-westerly force 2, sea state smooth in sunshine.
Two people were in a kayak when it started to sink and both entered the water wearing lifejackets. The two persons drifted apart while trying to swim ashore. One was picked up by a jet ski after he was seen in the water calling for help. He said he had been in the water for some time. The jet ski took the person ashore at Pagham where he was met by the Selsey Coastguard team who obtained more information from him.
The search continued through the night with other RNLI Lifeboats from Bembridge, Littlehampton, Shoreham and Hayling Island joining as well as a Coastguard fixed wing aircraft. The shore side was covered by Littlehampton, Hayling and Hillhead Coastguard Rescue Teams and Sussex Police with a drone.
Sadly, at 7.00am the following morning, a fishing vessel on passage from Shoreham came across a body in the water 1.5 miles south of Selsey Bill. Rescue 175 and Selsey ILB were sent to the scene and the body was recovered to the helicopter. The body was believed to be the missing kayaker. All units were stood down.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.