Big air-sea search ends with South Cliff find
At its peak, Monday evening's search involved lifeboats, inshore rescue craft, Coastguard rescue teams, the Solent-based Coastguard air-sea rescue helicopter and the Coastguard Islander fixed-wing aircraft from Kent.
They were seeking two men and a woman who had not been accounted for since leaving Rye Bay in a ribbed inflatable.
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Hide AdTheir craft was found abandoned at South Cliff. The three were later found to be unharmed.
The evening light was beginning to fade as at the Bexhill Coastguard station, Coastguard Rescue Officer Gary Tidman explained: "Three persons in a ribbed left Rye Bay at 2pm.
"This afternoon they were seen passing Hastings look-out at 4pm.
"As they were seen going towards Sovereign Harbour the search extended to there.
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Hide Ad"Eastbourne inshore rescue boat and the Eastbourne all-weather boat put out.