Boat smashes into marina wall as storm expected to hit Sussex

A boat has smashed into the Marina wall in stormy weather and rough seas.

Coastguards and the RNLI lifeboat have been called to the west arm of Brighton Marina where the boat is crashing up against it in the waves.

Crews can be seen on the arm looking into the boat to assess the damage and see if anyone is inside.

Coastguards are working out how to secure the boat (Image: Andy Gardner)

The Met Office earlier issued a warning to people on the south coast as a thunderstorm rolls in.

Some places may see up to 40mm of rain in two hours with the risk of sudden flooding or power cuts.

The blue and white sailboat was rocking in the waves just outside the marina with its sails down.

The Argus understands the boat has since sunk. A spokeswoman for the RNLI said: "In choppy conditions, the lifeboat approached the yacht and confirmed that it was unoccupied.

"After discussion with HM Coastguard, it was established that there no lives at risk on the yacht, and the decision was taken not to risk the safety of our volunteers to board the boat as the conditions were unpredictable."