A man found unconscious on the beach at Seaford earlier this week is believed to be a pensioner from Brighton.
Despite attempts to revive him, he died at the scene.
Sussex Police said this afternoon (Friday 4 August): “An elderly man whose body was found in the sea at Seaford on Tuesday (1 August) has now been provisionally identified as a man in his early eighties from Brighton, following a news and social media appeal.
“Just after 4pm on Tuesday (1 August) the man was found unconscious in the sea at the edge of the beach opposite Marine Parade, Seaford, a few hundred yards from Seaford Sailing Club.
“Clothes believed to belong to him were found on the beach near to where he was found.
“Police, coastguard and paramedics attended and he was given medical aid including CPR but sadly he was confirmed deceased at the scene shortly afterwards.
“A post-mortem examination took place on Friday (4 August) and the cause of death was confirmed as drowning.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and an inquest will be formally opened and adjourned soon.
“Following a media appeal on Thursday (3 August) relatives recognised the description of the man and his clothing and contacted the police.”
Coroner’s officer David Tye said: “Our thanks go to the media and public who showed interest in this case and publicised it.
“We are not releasing the name of the man at present while inquiries continue to make sure all contactable relatives are aware.”
