Four teenagers have this evening been rescued after getting lost in thick fog off Eastbourne seafront.
A yellow and orange inflatable was spotted drifting out to sea with the youngsters on board.
Sussex Police alerted HM Coastguard following a call from the Grand Hotel at 4pm who were concerned about the welfare of the youngsters.
A full air s
ea search operation was launched which included the Eastbourne RNLI inshore and all-weather lifeboats, the Eastbourne coastguard rescue team and the Eastbourne beach lifeguards.
A rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham was also drafted in to aid those on the ground and at sea.
The inclement weather condition made searching for the youngsters very difficult.
The inflatable and the four boys aged about 13-years-old were finally found safe and well by the Eastbourne Coastguard Rescue Team onshore and the search ended just before 5pm.
Peter Legg, senior watch manager at Dover Coastguard, issued this warning.
"Do not take inflatables to sea. They are toys and should be tethered to the shore if used at all.
"Do not venture out on the water in fog when it is easy to become disorientated and lost and very difficult for anyone to find you.
"If you see anyone in difficulty at sea dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
