A local fisherman has been found dead on his boat after it was spotted drifting off the west coast of the Isle of Wight this afternoon (Sunday).
Yarmouth RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat was launched to an area close to The Needles at around 14:10, with Coastguard Rescue 175 helicopter also scrambled from its base at Lee-on-Solent.
Sadly, the skipper of the fishing boat was found deceased on board upon arrival of the search and rescue crews.
The vessel was towed back into Yarmouth Harbour by Yarmouth Lifeboat, with Police and The Needles Coastguard Rescue Team waiting at the quayside.
UPDATE MONDAY – It has been confirmed that the skipper is a 68-year-old man from Freshwater.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We were called at 2.30pm, after the body of a 68-year-old man from Freshwater was found in a boat at sea.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”
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How awful, lets hope it was painless, and unlike others at least it was clearly not from an illness which stopped him from his daily life. Hope the family stay strong and together.
So so sad RIP
So sad RIP!
How sad my thoughts are with the family
Was he alone as no mention of crew
He was a one man operation most of the time commercial
fishing very experienced fisherman
God we have had a lot of sad news like this over the summer, so sad for his loved ones.
I waved at him yesterday when out fishing he was a lovely guy love to his family
RIP sailor thoughts are with your family
At least he was doing something he loved, can we ask for more?
R.I.P mate known you along time..
RIP
RIP uncle Frank. Love you always and forever. You died doing what you loved and we will always remeber you when looking out to sea xxxxx
Xxxx