Sailor dies following rescue operation off Dorset coast

A sailor who was found unconscious in the sea off the Dorset coast following a two-and-a-half hour rescue operation has died, police have said.

The skipper of the Musketeer Stutton was recovered off Poole Bay by the lifeboat after he was found near an upturned dinghy at 02:15 BST.

He was airlifted to Poole hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

A police spokesman said: "There are no suspicious circumstances. The coroner and next of kin have been informed."

Two crew members from the Musketeer Stutton, who were waiting at Studland Bay for the skipper to return from the 47ft yacht, made a 999 call at 23:46 BST on Wednesday.

They had become concerned for his safety when he failed to arrive.

The lifeboat was launched along with the coastguard search and rescue helicopter.