A MAN has died after falling from a yacht into the English Channel.
The sailor, from Greater Manchester, tragically drowned after he went overboard during a competitive race on Friday afternoon.
He is believed to have been taking part in the historic Royal Escape Race from Shoreham-by-Sea to the Normandy port of Fecamp.
A frantic search was launched by the Coastguard after they received a mayday regarding an incident off the coast of France.
A nearby fishing vessel also dashed to the scene to assist rescuers, while the UK Coastguard offered communications support.
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The man was taken to a hospital in the port city of Le Havre by a French helicopter before he was pronounced dead.
Sussex Police said it was assisting with the investigation but did not reveal the man's identity or age.
Reports claim another sailor who was travelling in the same vessel was safely rescued by French crews.
A spokesman for the force 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."
HM Coastguard confirmed it was alerted to a mayday shortly after 3pm on Friday regarding a man going overboard from a yacht.
In a poignant post on its Facebook page, Sussex Yacht Club paid tribute to the victim.
It read: "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.
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and supporting our sailors at this difficult time."
The annual Royal Escape Race is one of the oldest offshore races operating from the UK, which began on Friday.
It was launched in 1977 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee.
