Man and dog rescued near Brighton Pier after days at sea

The man, who gave his name as Barry, and his dog Bella were picked up by a lifeboat earlier this evening (June 18), according to an eyewitness.

Emergency services launched a large scale rescue operation when a red flare was spotted around 6.30pm.

The man and his dog were taken ashore an hour later.

Coastguard on the scene this evening (Image: EDDIE MITCHELL) It is believed the pair had been drifting for three days in the tiny dinghy after the engine failed.

The man was heard telling rescuers he found Bella in a French refugee camp.

He is thought to be an Afghan migrant attempting to cross the English Channel from France.

A coastguard spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard has responded to reports of a person in the water in waters between Brighton Marina and Pier.

“An HM Coastguard Rescue Helicopter was sent, alongside lifeboats from Shoreham and Brighton, and Coastguard Rescue Teams from Shoreham and Newhaven.

“A man was located safe and well in a vessel that had reportedly experienced engine issues.”