Sussex Police confirms death of sailor after incident in English Channel

It has been reported that a man taking part in the Royal Escape Race fell from a yacht in French waters around 2pm on Friday (May 26).

Sussex Police said the force was first made aware of the incident in the early hours of Saturday morning (May 27).

A police spokesperson said: “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.”

The famous race started at Brighton Marina with participants heading towards Fécamp in France.

The Sussex Yacht Club announced on social media on Saturday that the event ended in tragedy.

A Facebook statement read: “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 Bureau to assist with their enquiries.

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

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said HM Coastguard gave communications support to French rescue services responding to reports of a man overboard from a yacht – north of Fecamp, Normandy.

A spokesperson said: “The alarm was raised by a mayday at about 3.10pm. A French helicopter and lifeboat were dispatched, as the incident was on the French side of the English Channel.

“The British casualty was winched aboard the helicopter and flown to the Jacques Monod hospital, Le Havre.”

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