British sailor dies during historic cross-Channel race, second missing
One fatality has been confirmed, and a search for a second sailor stood down, after two separate man overboard incidents occurred during cross-Channel races this weekend.
Around 2pm on Friday 26 May, a British sailor fell overboard in French waters during the 43rd Royal Escape Race, between Brighton Marina and Fécamp, in Normandy.
Sussex Police reports the deceased man, who has not been named, was from the Greater Manchester area. A statement from Sussex Yacht Club, host of the Royal Escape Race, says the club is “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors”.
HM Coastguard says it offered communications support to the French rescue services during the incident. A lifeboat and French helicopter were dispatched, and the casualty was winched aboard and flown to a French hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
In a statement, Sussex Yacht Club says: “We are working with police, maritime and coastguard agencies and the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau to assist with their enquiries.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and supporting our fellow sailors at this difficult time.”
A second incident also occurred on the same day, during a separate race. A Mayday signal was issued at around 9.30pm on 26 May 2023, after a sailor participating in the JOG (Junior Offshore Group) cross-Channel race, from Cowes to Deauville, fell overboard.
Multiple French search and rescue vessels, plus two helicopters, were dispatched and joined in a search alongside fellow competitor yachts.
The search continued morning of Saturday 27 May, but has since been stood down. It’s reported that the search involved a 68-year-old man from the Isle of Wight, who has not been named.
In a statement posted on Monday 29 May, Junior Offshore Group says: “JOG Yacht Racing is deeply saddened to announce that a competitor was reported overboard during the Cowes to Deauville race on Friday 26 May at approximately 21:30hrs BST. The incident occurred some 15 miles from the finish in the Seine Bay off the Northern coast of France.
“Following a Mayday call to the French rescue services, air rescue and lifeboats, together with nearby vessels and a number of competing boats, assisted in a search.
“We are working with French authorities, and all concerned in establishing the full details and assisting with enquiries. The competitor’s next of kin has been informed. Our thoughts and most sincere condolences are with the family at this difficult time.”
