Greater Manchester man dies during yacht race in the English Channel

A man from Greater Manchester has died after falling from a yacht into the English Channel.

The sailor drowned after falling overboard during a competitive race on Friday afternoon. Sussex Police said it was assisting the Coast Guard following the tragic incident, which happened in French waters north of Fecamp, Normandy.

Officers have not revealed the identity of the man, or his age.

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A force spokesman said officers are "offering liaison with the man’s family", and added that they would "offer support to the relevant agencies while the full circumstances of the situation are established", the Express reports.

Sussex Yacht Club, host of the Royal Escape Race, said it was 'deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors'.

HM Coastguard said it gave communications support to French rescue services responding to the incident at about 3.10pm. A French helicopter and lifeboat were also dispatched. The British casualty was winched aboard the helicopter and flown to the hospital in Le Havre.

The Royal Escape Race, between Brighton and Normandy, began on Friday. The annual event, which brings both British and French crews into close competition, is one of the oldest offshore races operating from the UK, having been launched to mark Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee in 1977.

In a statement, Sussex Yacht Club said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors yesterday. Sussex Yacht Club are working with the Police, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau to assist with their enquiries.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and supporting our sailors at this difficult