Construction worker injured after drowning rescue attempt

A group of construction workers were involved in a daring rescue attempt yesterday, after diving into rough sea near Peacehaven in an attempt to rescue a drowning walker.

Coastguards said the group of workers went to the aid of a 44-year-old Londoner who had fallen into the sea.

One managed to grab hold of him but the force of the waves swept him away.

He was found by a lifeboat crew shortly afterwards and airlifted to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

One of the construction workers was taken to Brighton Hospital suffering from hypothermia and head injuries.

The other walker was also taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia.

A spokeswoman for the Solent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre said: “A group of construction workers went to the man’s assistance by throwing life rings into the water and due to a large surge the man lost hold of the life ring.

“One of the construction workers entered the water to recover the man and pull him back to the groyne, the waves then broke again on them and the man was lost from the grasp of the construction worker.”

She added: “The man was found shortly afterwards and taken by helicopter to Eastbourne Hospital.

“Our sympathy goes out to the family and friends at this tragic time.”