A pensioner died after he slipped into the water off a boat moored at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club
The 72-year-old was airlifted away from the scene by an RAF rescue helicopter after a major operation by emergency services
But he died soon after he had been taken to hospital.
Walton and Frinton Yacht Club
An Essex Police spokeswoman said it was believed the man, who comes from Ipswich, had been at a party with relatives on Saturday night.
He returned to his boat at the yacht basin and fell into the water after feeling ill as he boarded the boat.
"There is nothing suspicious about the death and it is believed that he probably suffered a heart attack," said the spokeswoman.
Colin Ingram, watch assistant at Thames Coastguard in Walton, said the man had been walking near his boat at the club at 1.44am on Sunday, when he fell.
The alarm was raised and Walton and Felixstowe coastguards, Harwich inshore lifeboat, the RAF Sea King rescue helicopter from Wattisham Airfield and an ambulance all attended.
A winchman was lowered down into the water and rescued the pensioner. He was given fluids and made comfortable on the flight to Ipswich and was said to be in a comfortable condition.
It is thought the man was in the water for about 15 minutes.
The helicopter landed on Bath House Meadow and transferred him to Heath Road Hospital in Ipswich.
Police later confirmed the man had died at the hospital.
Di Pickard, honorary secretary at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club, said members were shocked to learn of the death.
Published Monday, June 23, 2003
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