Man dies and another taken to hospital after 'getting into difficulty' in water at British beach

Published: 06:31, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 06:46, 27 July 2026 A man has died and another has been taken to hospital after getting into difficulty in the sea at a popular British beach. Emergency services rushed to West Wittering Beach in West Sussex at 2.30pm on Sunday following concerns for the safety of two adults in the water. Two men were pulled from the sea by rescuers but one was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The other man was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. The pair are not believed to have known each other. In a statement, Sussex Police said: 'Emergency services were called to the beach near the Beach Café, Pound Road, West Wittering, around 2.30pm on Sunday, 26 July, after two adults got into difficulty in the water. 'Both were pulled from the sea and received treatment from emergency services at the scene. 'Sadly, one of the men was pronounced dead at the scene. 'The other man has been taken to hospital as a precaution. 'The men are not believed to be known to each other. 'Next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the coroner's officer.' Coastguards and paramedics were pictured on the beach on Sunday afternoon In a post on social media, West Wittering Beach administrators said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that a 55-year-old man has sadly passed away following an incident at West Wittering Beach today. 'Our lifeguards responded immediately and together with the ambulance service, coastguard and other emergency services, provided advanced first aid and CPR. 'Despite their best efforts, he was sadly pronounced deceased. 'The circumstances surrounding this incident are currently being established, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this time. 'Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the man's family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident. We would like to thank our lifeguards, emergency service colleagues and members of the public who assisted during the response. 'We respectfully ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this incredibly difficult time.'