UK Beach Hor-ror: Family Of Four Caught In ‘Mayhem’ After Young Girl Spotted In Trouble
A MAJOR search and rescue operation has been launched after a family of four got into difficulty in the sea at a UK beach.
A girl was spotted struggling in the waves before “mayhem” broke out as a huge emergency services team descended on the seafront in Shoreham this afternoon.
999 vehicles packed Shoreham Harbour after a family of four got into difficulty in the seaCredit: BBC/UNPIXS
One of two air ambulances that joined a coastguard chopper at the sceneCredit: Refer to source
Two helicopters, eight ambulances, lifeboat crews and the coastguard rushed to the scene shortly after the alarm was raised.
Local fishermen alerted police after seeing a young girl in trouble shortly before 3pm.
They then saw a panicked young boy, a woman and a man also fighting against the waves.
Horrified families watched on from the shoreline as a huge rescue operation swung into action.
Ambulance crew among those at Shoreham’s shingle beachCredit: Refer to source
Locals said they were shocked to see the ‘mayhem’ unfoldCredit: Eddie Mitchell
The four were recovered by lifeboat crews and brought ashore for emergency treatment – with witnesses saying critical care teams performed CPR on at least three of them.
Pictures showed a sprawling emergency services team swooping in on the beach in West Sussex.
Stunned bystanders described the hectic scenes as “mayhem”.
Parents Gary and Victoria Flint were among those enjoying a day at the beach with their children when the terrifying drama unfolded.
Shocked Victoria, of nearby Horsham, told The Sun: “We arrived at about three and soon after we heard the siren for the lifeboat.
“We watched it launch and then, about 20 mins later, it came back.
“Ambulances started arriving. More and more of them. Then the air ambulances started.”
Local resident Pete Book spotted the coastguard chopper circling the lifeboat station on his way home from the pub.
Shocked locals described hearing ‘lots of sirens’ as crews descended upon the popular seafrontCredit: Eddie Mitchell
A massive operation was launched in Shoreham this afternoonCredit: Refer to source
He said: “As I neared home, a yellow air ambulance also landed.
“There were a lot of ambulances, coastguard and police vehicles converging on the area, and the coast road was closed.
“An orange-and-white air ambulance then landed.
“The lifeboat had also launched and was returning to the station – so I assume its crew had picked up the casualties.”
Four people were pulled from the waterCredit: Refer to source
At least two helicopters were spotted this afternoonCredit: Refer to source
Another local, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s the first time in my 30 years living here that I’ve seen a police car drive onto the pebbles.
“It was mayhem, there were so many emergency vehicles so you knew it was something serious.”
South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it was called to reports of four people in need of medical attention near Shoreham Harbour.
A spokesperson said: “We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene.
Sussex Police are also in attendanceCredit: Eddie Mitchell
Pictures showed an air ambulance unit at the sceneCredit: Eddie Mitchell
“We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Sussex Police said: “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, and 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.”
Search and rescue teams rushed to the sceneCredit: Eddie Mitchell
Emergency crews were scrambled to the beach this afternoonCredit: Eddie Mitchell
Lifeboat crews were launched at about 2.50pm, according to an RNLI spokesperson.
Two additional boats were also sent out roughly ten minutes later.
HM Coastguard added: “HM Coastguard responded to an incident reported at Shoreham at about 2.45pm on 18 August.
“An HM Coastguard helicopter was sent as well as Littlehampton, Shoreham and Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Teams, and an RNLI lifeboat from Shoreham.
“Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended.”
Labour MP for East Worthing and Shoreham Tom Rutland said: “Please stay clear of the area around Shoreham Fort and Kingston Beach as emergency services respond to reports of several people in difficulty in the water there.
“A section of the A259 in Shoreham has been closed as the incident remains ongoing.”
