French yachtsman believed missing

Monday 18th July 2011, 11:30AM BST.

Police and sea rescue authorities at the Sark Quay at St Peter Port Harbour yesterday with the French registered yacht found which was afloat off Pleinmont. Its sole occupant is believed to be missing at sea. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 1160545)

A FRENCH sailor is missing, presumed dead, after a boat was discovered adrift near Pleinmont.

Police received a call at 11.08am yesterday from a member of the public to attend the area and as a result the lifeboat was launched at 11.53am because there were concerns for persons onboard the French-registered vessel.

‘The lifeboat attended and nobody was found on board,’ Sgt John Tostevin said yesterday.

‘After enquiries from the French authorities we learned one man was on board when it departed France.

‘Enquiries are ongoing and we are in liaison with the French authorities.’