30/08/2006

Ferry examined in yacht-sinking inquiry

Police investigating the deaths of three sailors after the sinking of their yacht are examining a ferry as part of the investigation.

Police began examining the P&O ferry Pride of Bilbao on Tuesday night.

P&O has also handed over the black box recorder from the ship to police.

The bodies of Rupert Saunders and James Meaby, both 36, from Tooting in London and Jason Downer, 35, from Broadstairs, Kent, were found off the coast of the Isle of Wight last week.

The yacht, 'Ouzo', which was owned by Mr Saunders, has not been recovered.

The three men had left Bembridge on the Isle of Wight on Sunday to travel to Devon for the Dartmouth Regatta.

It is understood that no distress signal was made from the yacht and it is feared that it may have been in collision with a larger vessel.

(KMcA/EF)

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