Mystery of empty yacht found adrift

Two lifeboats and a Navy helicopter searched waters off the Cornish coast yesterday after a 32ft yacht was found adrift. The sails were up and there had been a fire on board, but there was no sign of the yachtsman who sailed from Hamble in the Solent on Saturday intending to be away for a week.

The vessel was discovered abandoned 170 miles away, 10 miles south west of Lizard Point, and was towed to Newlyn for detailed examination. Police said the name of the vessel and the yachtsman were being withheld until next of kin are informed.