Stag party man drowns at seaside

The man was recovered from the sea near Brighton's Palace Pier

A man in his early 30s drowned in rough seas while on a stag party night out in Brighton, the coastguard has said.

The man, from the Irish Republic, was pronounced dead at hospital after being rescued on Saturday evening.

He was recovered by the Brighton lifeboat after lifeguards on the beach were unable to reach him.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said another member of the party who entered the water to try to save him was recovering in hospital.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was providing consular assistance to the family but would give no further details.

Solent Coastguard watch manager Mike O'Sullivan said: "This was supposed to have been an enjoyable event but it rapidly turned to tragedy as one of the party got into difficulties after deciding to go for a swim in atrocious sea conditions.

"The wind at the time was a south westerly force 5-7 with a moderate to rough sea state generating a heavy surf.

"Members of the public entering the sea in these sort of conditions were putting themselves at severe risk, no matter how commendable were their intentions."