Man dies after falling from yacht in the English Channel

It's believed he was taking part in the 43rd Royal Escape Race

Author: Greg DeanPublished 27th May 2023

A man from Greater Manchester has died after falling from a yacht in the English Channel.

It happened yesterday in French waters.

Sussex Yacht Club have posted a message on its Facebook page saying: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors.

"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."

Sussex police say they're working with the coastguard and supporting the man's family.

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."

It is believed the sailor was taking part in the Royal Escape Race, a historic yacht race from Shoreham-by-Sea to the Normandy port of FĂ©camp.

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