New Year tragedy as Kettering swimmer dies in sea off Brighton beach
A man from Kettering has died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Brighton.
The 51-year-old swimmer had been pulled from the water near Albion Groin, close to Brighton Palace Pier on New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1).
A rescue operation was launched at about 10.10am by the coastguard and the RNLI – a helicopter landed on the beach after being dispatched to the scene.
The death is not being treated as suspicious. Police, the coastguard and paramedics all attended the scene and the man was recovered from the water. Medical assistance was unable to save him.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Police were alerted to a man who had been recovered from the sea after getting into difficulty to the west of Brighton Palace Pier at around 10.35am on Thursday, January 1.
“A 51-year-old man from Kettering was brought to shore and received medical attention. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
“The coroner has been informed, and the death is not being treated as suspicious.”
The man has not yet been publicly named.
Coastguard rescue teams from Shoreham and Newhaven were sent alongside Brighton RNLI inshore lifeboat. South East Coast Ambulance Service and Sussex Police also attended.