An inquest into the death of Lyall Babington, a 74-year-old sailor who tragically died on board a yacht in the Solent last Summer, has been formally opened with details of his death confirmed.
Mr Babington, who was born in March 1951 in Hamilton, New Zealand, was a resident of Great North Road, Auckland.
At the inquest opening held at the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court on Friday (23rd January), it was heard how the New Zealand national had departed East Head in Chichester on board his yacht, Molly, on 5th August 2025, bound for Poole. There were 3 other crew members onboard.
During the voyage, Mr Babington was demonstrating how to raise the sail when his right hand became caught in a winch. 2 of the crew members attempted to assist, but his arm was subsequently pulled in, followed by the rest of his body.
A Mayday call was made to HM Coastguard, but the exact location of the yacht was unknown at the time. After a search effort, the vessel was located and a Coastguard helicopter paramedic was winched down to the deck.
Mr Babington was freed from the winch and CPR was initiated. But, despite efforts to revive him, CPR was ceased when no signs of life were present. The yacht was escorted to Yarmouth Harbour were Police were standing by.
The cause of death has been confirmed as traumatic asphyxia and severe multiple crush injuries to the neck, chest and abdomen.
As previously reported by Island Echo, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) says that a winch malfunction contributed to the fatal incident – but the inquest will now detail the ins and outs of the matter, with Senior Coroner Caroline Sumeray to determine the conclusion.
