Search for pilot after light aircraft crashes into sea in East Sussex
Lifeboats and coastguard helicopters are looking for the plane, which plunged into the water this afternoon with one person on board
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A search is underway for the pilot of a light aircraft that crashed into the sea near Rye Harbour in East Sussex.
The plane is said to have plunged into the water at around 5pm on Saturday with one person on board.
Coastguard helicopters and lifeboats are conducting the search for the plane, which is believed to be able to carry up to four people.
Wreckage from the aircraft has been washed ashore, according to local police, who are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Lifeboats and their volunteer crews are searching the area around three quarters of a mile offshore between Winchelsea beach and Pett Level beach, according to an RNLI spokesman.
“Rye Harbour and Dungeness RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch this afternoon by HM Coastguard following reports of a light aircraft which ditched into the sea off Rye Harbour," he said.
"Reports indicated there was one person on board.”
A Coastguard spokeswoman said a co-ordinated search was taking place. “The alarm was raised at 5.05pm and reports indicated one person was on board the aircraft,” she said.
“The aircraft and pilot have not been found and the current search is likely to continue until dusk.”
Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting reference 1172 of 06/08.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments