Rescuers search Rye Bay after aircraft concerns

Coastguard and lifeboat crews launched a search of Rye Bay last night (Monday) after a report of a pilot in distress.

Coastguard were called to the scene at around 8.35pm after a member of the public spotted a small aircraft which appeared to be in trouble.

A MCA spokesman said the member of the public did not see the aircraft ditch into the sea but that looked to be in distress. The member of the public was also unsure whether the aircraft was a hand-glider, a microlite or another similar craft, the MCA spokesman said.