08/09/2008

Man Dies After Falling Off Yacht

A man has died after he fell from a yacht off the coast of South Wales.

The man, who had been sailing on a 27-foot sailing sloop called Gun Smoke in the Bristol Channel with another male, died after he was hit by the boom and knocked overboard.

Swansea coastguard received a distress call at 3pm on Sunday from the second man. They broadcast a mayday relay and secured the assistance of six other vessels straight away.

At the same time, a rescue helicopter was requested to scramble and a lifeboat from Barry, South Wales and an inshore lifeboat from Minehead, Somerset were requested to launch.

All search units were then tasked to search an area as provided by Swansea Coastguard.

The man was wearing a lifejacket and was spotted by the helicopter. A winch man was lowered and recovered the man unconscious to the helicopter. He was then taken straight to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.

Arwyn Williams from Swansea Coastguard, said: "The sailor remaining on the yacht did the right thing in calling for help straight away, so we could get assistance to him fast so as to help his colleague.

"Sadly, in this incident, the injured sailor was declared dead at the hospital. This has been a tragic accident, which should have been a pleasurable days sailing."

He added: "Our thoughts are extended to the family of this man at this time."

(JM/KMcA)

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