Ghost ship found in Bristol channel sparks search for missing skipper

Police investigating disappearance of 43-year-old sailor David Moore are 'concerned for his welfare'

Police are searching for David Moore, 43, whose yacht the "Egoist" was found washed ashore on a beach in Berrow, Somerset, on 3 June 2019. (Avon and Somerset Police)

The search for a missing yacht owner has entered its second day after his boat was found washed up on a beach in the Bristol Channel.

The alarm was raised at 6.30am on Monday after the “Egoist” was spotted abandoned on the shore near the Somerset village of Berrow – about 30 miles from Bristol.

The vessel, which belongs to 43-year-old David Moore, was last seen leaving Watchet marina on Saturday afternoon.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was working alongside HM Coastguard in the search for the yachtsman, whose disappearance is being treated as a missing person’s case.

The spokesperson for the force said: “We are working with HM Coastguard to try to find the owner of a yacht which has run aground at Berrow.

“A witness reported seeing the ‘Egoist’ apparently abandoned at about 6.30am Monday 3 June.

“Witnesses saw the vessel leaving Watchet Marina on the afternoon of Saturday 1 June.

“We’re treating this as a missing person enquiry. Officers are concerned for the welfare of the owner, David Moore.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference number quoting reference 5219122957.