British sailor dies after falling off yacht in the English Channel

British sailor dies after falling into the sea during historic yacht race across English Channel

•  A man from the Greater Manchester area died after falling off a yacht on Friday
•  Sailor was taking part in historic Royal Escape Race when the incident occurred
•  Another sailor from the same vessel was rescued by French teams to safety 

Tributes have been paid to a British sailor who died after falling off a yacht in the English Channel on Friday afternoon. 

It is believed the man, who has not been identified and is from the Greater Manchester area, was taking part in the Royal Escape Race when the incident occurred just off the northwest coast of France at around 2pm.

The historic race was first launched in 1977 to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and follows the route taken by King Charles II in 1651 from Shoreham-by-Sea to the Normandy port of Fecamp to escape from Cromwell following the Battle of Worcester.

French rescue teams, assisted by a nearby fishing vessel, helped airlift the man to a hospital in Le Havre, while another sailor from the same vessel was rescued safely, reports Sky News.

Meanwhile UK coastguard offered communications support to the teams.

A British sailor has died after falling off his yacht close to the northwest coast of France at around 2pm on Friday (file pic)

Sussex Yacht Club posted a message of condolence to the victim’s family and friends following news of his death.

A statement said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors yesterday.

‘Sussex Yacht Club are working with the police, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch to assist with their enquiries.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and supporting our sailors at this difficult time.’

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: ‘Sussex Police were made aware of a man having sadly died in the English Channel after falling from a yacht in French waters in the early hours of Saturday morning.

‘The incident is understood to have happened at around 2pm on Friday.

‘Police are supporting the coastguard by offering liaison with the man’s family and will continue to offer support to the relevant agencies while the full circumstances of the situation are established.’

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