Search and rescue operation launched after reports of body in water at Southport Beach

13th June 2022

A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched at Southport Beach last night, following reports of a person sighted in the water.

Crews for Southport lifeboat, HM Coastguard Search & Rescue and Merseyside Police began the search at approximately 9pm last night.

Efforts ended around 1am. OTS News understands that nobody was found or recovered.

A Coastguard S92 helicopter joined the search for several hours, initially searching around Southport Pier and later moving further out to sea.

Three officers of the HM Coastguard Search and Rescue crew were seen combing Southport Pier by torchlight until 00:30.

Merseyside Police said: “At around 9.30pm last night, Sunday 12 June officers were called to a report of a concern for safety at Southport Pier.

“It was reported that a man had walked into the sea near the North Side of the Pier.

“Officers conducted an area search of Southport Pier with the coastguards, but no one was found.

“The search ended in the early hours of this morning.”