Huge emergency response after reports of 'four people in difficulty in water' at British seaside resort

By KATHERINE LAWTON, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 16:44, 18 August 2026 | Updated: 16:59, 18 August 2026 A huge emergency response is underway following reports of four people getting into difficulty in the water at a British seaside town.  Sussex Police said emergency services were called to the scene near Shoreham Port, West Sussex, this afternoon.  Several ambulances from South East Coast Ambulance Service have been dealing with the incident, alongside coastguard helicopters and other search and rescue vehicles. Road closures have been put in place near the scene while the casualties receive emergency first aid.  A spokesperson from the RNLI said lifeboat crews were launched at around 2.50pm this afternoon.  Two other lifeboats were also launched from the Brighton lifeboat station shortly after 3pm.  An ambulance spokesperson said: 'South East Coast Ambulance Service is currently responding to reports of four people in need of medical attention after getting into difficulty in the water near Shoreham Harbour.  'We were called shortly after 3pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene. We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.'  Two air ambulances are standing by at Shoreham Lifeboat station to attend an incident this afternoon Ambulances at the scene following reports of four people getting into difficulty in the water  South East Coast Ambulance Service has a number of vehicles at the scene  A large emergency response presence is in the area following reports of four people getting into difficulty in the water  This is a breaking news story. More to follow.