Emergency services responded to an incident at West Wittering Beach on Sunday afternoon after concerns were raised for two men in the sea near the Beach Café on Pound Road. The call came in at about 2.30pm on 26 July.
Rescue at the shore
Police, ambulance crews and other responders attended the scene. Both men were pulled from the water and treated by emergency services at the location. One man was later pronounced dead at the scene. The second man was taken to hospital as a precaution.
“Police were called following concerns for two men in the sea near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering, around 2.30pm on Sunday, 26 July,”
The two men are not believed to have been known to each other, the force said. Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the coroner’s officer.
Local impact and response
West Wittering is regularly used by swimmers and beachgoers, particularly through the summer months. An incident involving multiple people in difficulty in the water is relatively rare but highlights the risks that can arise quickly along the coast. The police statement indicated they had limited information to share immediately after the event while enquiries continue and procedures with the coroner are followed.
- Location: near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering
- Time reported: around 2.30pm on 26 July
- Outcome: one man pronounced dead at the scene; the other taken to hospital
What we know and what to do
At this stage police have not provided further details on the identities of those involved, the exact circumstances that led to the men getting into difficulty, or whether weather or sea conditions were a factor. The coroner’s officer will work to establish the circumstances of the death.
If you witness an emergency on the coast you should call 999 and ask for the coastguard or ambulance as appropriate. Where possible, keep a clear line of communication with emergency services and follow instructions from responders at the scene.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident reported | Around 2.30pm, 26 July |
| Location | Near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering |
| Casualties | Two adults pulled from the sea; one pronounced dead, one taken to hospital |
| Next steps | Next of kin informed; matter passed to coroner’s officer |
We will publish further updates as police release more information. Anyone with relevant information or photographs that may assist enquiries is asked to contact Sussex Police.
