Police have confirmed a man who was pulled from the sea after going overboard a vessel off Ramsgate sadly died.
Coastguard crews and helicopter, Ramsgate RNLI and ambulance services were called to Ramsgate harbour and port area yesterday (July 20) after a person was reported to have gone overboard on a vessel.
The Ramsgate all-weather (ALB) and inshore (ILB) lifeboats were tasked by HM Coastguard just before 1pm this afternoon to the person in the water about two miles offshore.
The man had been on a yacht as part of the Ramsgate Week regatta and when the lifeboats arrived on scene the casualty had been recovered on board. The Ramsgate inshore lifeboat went alongside the yacht and RNLI volunteer crew members assisted with the casualty.
A short time later a paramedic from an HM Coastguard helicopter was winched aboard the Ramsgate RNLI all-weather lifeboat, then transferred onto the ILB and taken to the yacht.
The yacht was then brought into Ramsgate Harbour where the casualty was placed in the care of ambulance crews.
Sadly, police now confirm the man in his 50s was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police assisted South East Coast Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard and the RNLI in Ramsgate harbour following a report of an accident at sea.
“A man his 50s was pronounced deceased at the scene. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
Martin Morgans, Commodore at Ramsgate’s Royal Temple Yacht Club, said: “Sadly yesterday there was an incident on the water which led to the tragic death of a much loved and respected member of our racing fleet.
“Only one vessel was involved. We cannot comment further as both the MAIB and Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding it.
“Our thoughts are with his family, crew and friends who are understandably shocked. We remained available last night to support those who needed it.
“Today after a short service of remembrance racing will continue. We do so with heavy hearts but in the belief that is what he would have wanted us to do. We ask that our sailing family is given the space to grieve and recover.”
