This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-29984129

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Brighton search under way for missing yachtsman Brighton search for missing yachtsman abandoned
(about 2 hours later)
A major search is taking place off the coast at Brighton after a yacht drifted back to the marina and crashed into a wall with no-one on board. The search for the skipper of a yacht found abandoned off Brighton Marina has been called off and a missing person search is under way.
Three lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter have been involved in the search for the yachtsman since shortly after 22:00 GMT on Sunday. A spokesman for HM Coastguard said nothing had been found during extensive searches and crews were stood down at 11:30 GMT pending further information.
The BBC understands the missing man is Leonard George King, from Alfriston, East Sussex.The BBC understands the missing man is Leonard George King, from Alfriston, East Sussex.
His wife reported him missing when he did not come home. A friend reported him missing when he did not return home on Sunday evening.
Mr King's Sunseeker yacht is believed to have been on autopilot when it returned to the marina. Crashed into wall
The search was hampered by electrical storms overnight but resumed at first light in stormy seas. Mr King had set out to sail alone from Brighton to Newhaven.
RNLI vessels from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven are involved in the operation along with the Coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent. His Sunseeker yacht is believed to have been on autopilot when it drifted back to the marina and crashed into a wall with no-one on board.
Three lifeboats and a coastguard helicopter were involved in the search, which began shortly after 22:00 GMT on Sunday.
It was hampered by storms overnight but resumed at first light in rough seas.
'Nothing found'
RNLI vessels from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven were involved in the operation along with the coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent.
HM Coastguard said extensive shoreline searches had been carried out around Brighton Marina, between Shoreham and Newhaven and as far out as 2.5 miles off shore.
The helicopter had undertaken a search out to mid-Channel.
"Despite these extensive searches, nothing has been found. Unless any new information comes to light, the search has been suspended," a spokesman said.
Sussex Police said its officers were "assisting with land-based inquiries".Sussex Police said its officers were "assisting with land-based inquiries".