British man dies after his yacht smashes into rocks off Sardinia

A BRITISH man has died after his 70ft luxury yacht smashed into rocks off the coast of Sardinia as it reportedly swerved to avoid another boat.

At least four other people were injured in the accident, which happened near Porto Cervo on the island’s Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast – an exclusive region popular with celebrities, tycoons and the super wealthy.

The victim, aged 63, is believed to have been the owner of the yacht, called Amore – “Love” in Italian.

After receiving a mayday distress call, Italian coastguards found the man still conscious when they arrived.

However, he died of a cardiac arrest while being taken to hospital, authorities said.

“Attempts to revive the 63-year-old British owner of the vessel, who was unconscious, did not succeed,” the Italian coastguard said in a statement.

There were seven people on board the vessel, including the skipper. Two of them have serious injuries and were taken to hospital in the town of Olbia.

Two other passengers suffered light injuries. They were rescued by a vessel flying under a Maltese flag, called Sweet Dragon, that happened to be in the area.

The accident happened at around 8.50pm on Sunday close to Li Nibani, a cluster of granite islands off the northeast coast of Sardinia.

The yacht smashed into rocks and partially sank. It has been recovered by the coastguard and towed to Porto Cervo.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are providing support following a maritime accident in Sardinia, including to the family of a dual national who has died. We are in contact with the local authorities.”