Boats have been washed up on the beach between Littlehampton and Ferring. Picture: Andre RavaryBoats have been washed up on the beach between Littlehampton and Ferring. Picture: Andre Ravary
Boats have been washed up on the beach between Littlehampton and Ferring. Picture: Andre Ravary

Empty boats wash up between Littlehampton and Ferring

Empty boats have washed up between Littlehampton and Ferring this morning (October 27).

The Littlehampton Coastguard team was sent out just before 1am today to reports of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat that had washed up on Littlehampton Beach, opposite the East Beach Cafe. It was likely a local boat, possibly from Littlehampton Harbour.

Its anchors were set out and details were passed on to the Solent Coastguard for ‘further enquiries’.

A larger boat, the Shelly Anne, washed up further west, closer to the bandstand.

Hugh Montgomery was walking along the seafront at 7am when he noticed the two stranded vessels.

The 67-year-old from Western Road, Littlehampton, said he had never seen this before while living here: “I was surprised to see the boats there, and that no-one was on board.

“There was also a lobster pot washed up on the beach, closer to the river.”

He wondered whether the boats had been cut loose from the harbour. He said: “Obviously it would have been very concerning if someone had been on board and it had beached.

“I don’t know exactly what has happened, but someone said it was a local boat, rather than one that has sailed across from France.”

Following messages from concerned members of the public, Littlehampton Coastguard said it had visited three boats in total, the other ‘between Ferring and Littlehampton’, and those it could ‘safely access have been marked with coastguard tape’.

The Littlehampton harbour master had been made aware and was trying to contact the owners, the coastguard added.

One was contacted and is arranging for his vessel to be recovered.

The spokesman said: “Further enquiries and investigations are being made.

“If you come across any vessels washed ashore or see any unattended vessels out to sea please call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

The Littlehampton RNLI team was not called out to this incident.

The harbourmaster declined to comment while the incident was ongoing ‘out of respect for the boat owners’.

Sussex Police has also been approached for comment.

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