Search for pilot after light aircraft crashes into sea in East Sussex

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.