Search and rescue teams are trying to establish how parts of a pleasure boat have washed up on the shoreline of East Sussex seaside town Hastings.

Hastings beach

Hastings beach - near to where boat parts are thought to have been found (Image: Getty)

A huge search and rescue operation is under way in the English Channel after parts of a pleasure boat were discovered washed up on the coastline. The alarm was raised at about 8.45am today (Thursday, May 9). 

RNLI lifeboats and helicopters have scrambled to the scene off Hastings, East Sussex. HM Coastguard is reportedly co-ordinating the rapid response. 

The RNLI said in a statement: "Hastings RNLI all-weather lifeboat launched at 8.57am today after being tasked by HM Coastguard."

A marine tracking website has shown more vessels have been tasked with combing the waters, with the Finnish navy also believed to be drafted in. Two Border Force boats are also out. 

This is an ongoing incident, with more updates unfolding. See the latest in our blog, below.

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