HM Coastguard coordinated a response after reports were received that parts of a vessel were found in waters south of the East Sussex resort town.

The alarm was raised at about 8.45am today.

A search and rescue helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft were sent to the area, as well as the RNLI's all-weather lifeboat from Hastings.

However, in an update shortly before 12.30pm today, it emerged that the operation was stood down.

An investigation 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 safely at the time.