Mystery of floating object spotted off Hove beach solved

Mystery revealed

The strange floating object that caught the attention of beachgoers last weekend has finally been identified. Brighton and Hove City Council has confirmed that the mysterious item spotted off Hove beach is a flotation device temporarily positioned as part of important coastal protection improvements.

When the object first appeared, HM Coastguard noted it was related to a vessel working in the area, though details about the specific vessel and work remained unclear at the time.

What's happening offshore

Counsellor Trevor Muten, Cabinet Member for Transport and City Infrastructure at Brighton and Hove City Council, provided clarity on the project: "These objects are flotation devices which are temporarily in place as part of our coastal protection improvements."

The council is preparing for the next phase of work, which involves recharging the beach with shingle. As part of this process, equipment is being marked out and positioned just offshore. A temporary 700-metre-long pipe will be laid from a position at sea, from which a boat will pump shingle to the shore.

"To make things easier, the pipe is being brought in by sea," Councillor Muten explained. "These flotation devices will be removed from the pipe once the pipe is in place for the delivery of the shingle."

Protecting our coastline

Brighton and Hove City Council's coastal protection scheme is designed to safeguard the local coastline from flooding and erosion. The comprehensive project includes removing old timber groynes and replacing them with new ones, before adding tonnes of shingle between them.

This approach will widen the beach by absorbing wave energy and reduce the levels of stones washing onto the esplanade, helping to protect both residents and visitors.

The current work is expected to finish around November 2026 and forms part of a larger long-term initiative called the Brighton Marina to River Adur Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Scheme.

A partnership approach

The scheme aims to improve coastal defences along a 10km stretch between Brighton Marina and the River Adur. This ambitious project is being delivered in partnership with Adur District Council, Shoreham Port, the Environment Agency and the Western Esplanade Management Company.

By working together, these organisations are investing in the future resilience of our local coastline, ensuring that Brighton and Hove remains protected from the challenges posed by coastal erosion and flooding for years to come.

Source: Mystery over floating object spotted in the sea is solved