Man rescued from sea after leaping from Worthing Pier

W52603H14 The RNLI inshore lifeboat crew rescued a man from the sea, near Worthing Pier, yesterday afternoon

Police were called to the pier shortly after 3pm after reports that a man was threatening to jump into the sea.

Coastguards were also alerted to the incident and requested Shoreham lifeboat to launch and attend.

At 3.20pm the man leapt into the water.

An RNLI inshore lifeboat crew recovered the man from the incoming tide at 3.45pm.

He was found three-quarters-of-a-mile from the pier but refused assistance. The crew spent 15 minutes persuading him to get into the lifeboat.

Shoreham lifeboat coxswain Steve Smith said: “The man was distressed and cold but we were just glad we were able to find him and persuade him to get into the boat.”

He was taken back to Shoreham lifeboat station where he was warmed up and then taken to hospital by ambulance paramedics. His condition was not life-threatening.

For the full report, see the Worthing Herald, Thursday, January 1.