A British man has died after falling from a yacht off the French coast following mayday calls to the coastguard.
The HM Coastguard was called out to the north of Fecamp in Normandy in the English Channel yesterday at 3pm following mayday calls that someone went overboard.
The man, from Greater Manchester, was taken into a helicopter and flown to Jacques Mond Hospital, Le Havre.
It is believed the sailor was taking part in one of the oldest offshore sailing races in the country at the time.
The Royal Escape Race is a historic yacht race from Shoreham-by-Sea to the Normandy port of Fecamp.
It was launched in 1977 to mark the then-Queen's silver jubilee.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: "Sussex Police were made aware of a man having sadly died in the English Channel after falling from a yacht in French waters in the early hours of Saturday morning.
"The incident is understood to have happened at around 2pm on Friday.
"Police are supporting the Coastguard by offering liaison with the man's family and will continue to offer support to the relevant agencies while the full circumstances of the situation are established."
Posting on its Facebook page, Sussex Yacht Club paid tribute: "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 time."
