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Brighton search for missing yachtsman abandoned Brighton search for missing yachtsman abandoned
(about 2 hours later)
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. The search for the skipper of a yacht found abandoned near Brighton Marina has been called off and a missing person inquiry is under way.
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. A spokesman for HM Coastguard said nothing had been found during extensive searches and crews were stood down at 11:30 GMT.
The BBC understands the missing man is Leonard George King, from Alfriston, East Sussex. The missing man has been named by police as Len King, 74, from Alfriston, East Sussex.
A friend reported him missing when he did not return home on Sunday evening.A friend reported him missing when he did not return home on Sunday evening.
Crashed into wall Autopilot
Mr King had set out to sail alone from Brighton to Newhaven.Mr King had set out to sail alone from Brighton to Newhaven.
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.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.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.It was hampered by storms overnight but resumed at first light in rough seas.
RNLI vessels from Brighton, Shoreham and Newhaven were involved in the operation along with the coastguard helicopter from Lee-on-Solent. In a statement issued through Sussex Police, Mr King's wife Stephanie, said her husband had been sailing since he was at least 20.
She said: "Normally we go together but during the week, if it's calm weather, he may go off by himself."
'Always careful'
Mrs King said he went off just before lunch on Sunday and had been expected home by dinner time.
When she phoned him several times the phone was unable to connect.
"I can't understand what has happened," she said.
"He is a very experienced yachtsman. He has all his equipment doubled up and is always careful. That is the way he runs things."
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.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.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."Despite these extensive searches, nothing has been found. Unless any new information comes to light, the search has been suspended," a spokesman said.
Coastguard officers told BBC reporter Jon Hunt that a team of divers would examine the vessel to see if there was any mechanical explanation for the mishap. Coastguards told BBC reporter Jon Hunt divers would examine the vessel to see if there was any mechanical explanation.
They said the yacht was taking on water, but was not sinking. Insp Roy Apps said it remained unclear what had happened to Mr King.
Sussex Police said its officers were "assisting with land-based inquiries". He said: "The search is currently suspended and we are liaising with his family as we investigate the circumstances of his disappearance."