Channel search stood down after debris identified

HM Coastguard confirmed the debris was from a vessel, seen here, which ran aground at Seaford on 19 April.

A search sparked by a report that parts of a pleasure vessel had been seen off the coast of East Sussex has been stood down.

HM Coastguard led the search in the English Channel, south of Hastings, from about 08.45 BST on Thursday.

A coastguard helicopter, an aircraft, an all-weather lifeboat and several non-emergency vessels were assisting the operation.

The coastguard found the debris was from a boat which had run aground about three weeks ago, and its occupants had made it safely to shore.

A spokesman from HM Coastguard said: "The operation was stood down after investigations found the parts were from a sailing vessel that went aground at Seaford Head, East Sussex, on 19 April.

"Both people on board made it to land safe and well."

The search was called off at about 12.10.