Tragic loss of man overboard sailor
A yachtsman has died following a man overboard incident just outside Port of Dover.
Michael Savage, known as Mick, was sailing his 1980s Westerly Konsort, Konsorted, when he became separated from his yacht on 1 April.
Westerly Owners Association Commodore Brian Jones said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of this incident involving one of our members on what should have been a great adventure. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in what is a difficult time.”
A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police assisted HM Coastguard and Port of Dover Police on Monday 1 April 2024 following a report of a person overboard from a yacht in the English Channel. A man in his 50s was located and sadly pronounced deceased. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”
A Port of Dover spokesperson added: “We offer our thoughts and condolences to Mick’s loved ones at this sad time.” A crowdfunder has raised more than £7,600, which will be used to pay a professional team to get Konsorted home to Southsea Marina, Portsmouth, and ongoing storage costs, with excess funds donated to the RNLI and the Air Ambulance: gofund.me/7ee74030
Organiser Emily Galligan writes: “Mick was loved by so many people, all over the world, and it’s amazing to see the beautiful tributes and memories that people have shared. The outpouring of love for him has shown that he was the kind of man that would do anything for anyone.”
A Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) spokesman said: “The MAIB is aware of the accident and is carrying out preliminary enquiries into the circumstances to determine if further action is required.” A spokesperson for Kent and Medway Coroner Service said an investigation was underway to determine if an inquest was needed into Mr Savage’s death.