23 November

Hampshire Police say a body of a man has been found on the shoreline close to Salterns Sailing Club in Lymington.

The man, who has not been formerly identified, was found on the afternoon of November 22 2016.

The family of missing sailor, Hugh Carter have been informed.

In a statement, Hampshire Police said: “Just before 3.10pm on Tuesday, November 22, the body of a man was found on the shoreline near Salterns Sailing Club, Lymington. The identity of the man has not yet been established.”

“The family of missing man, Hugh Carter, have been informed of the discovery. Identification will take place in due course,” concluded the statement.

Hugh Carter was last seen leaving the clubhouse at Keyhaven Yacht Club at 21:44 on 6 November.

He was reported missing after his dinghy and distinctive Breton fisherman’s cap was found on Castle Beach the following day.

21 November

Hampshire Police have called off the search for missing sailor Hugh Carter. They believe Carter might have drowned.

The Police said in a statement: “We have carried out extensive searches to locate Hugh Carter. Based on our investigations, it is most likely that Mr Carter slipped into the water while trying to reach his boat and has sadly died. His next of kin have been updated.

“The search for Mr Carter has now concluded and we would like to thank the search and rescue teams from various agencies for their help.”.

Hugh Carter was last seen leaving the clubhouse at Keyhaven Yacht Club at 21.44 on 6 November.

His dinghy and Breton fisherman’s cap were found on a beach in Lymington, Hampshire the day after and and he was reported missing.

An extensive search that saw the RNLI, Coastguard, Police and Keyhaven Yacht Club members work together was immediately launched.

November 17

Hugh Carter was reported missing after his dinghy and trademark dark Breton fisherman’s cap were found on a beach near Hurst Castle, Lymington in Hampshire.

He was last seen leaving the clubhouse of the Keyhaven Yacht Club at 21.44 on 6 November, 2016, where he was captured on the club’s CCTV.

Carter is a member of the club, and lives on his boat, Norisle, which is moored at the entrance of Keyhaven Harbour.

The commodore of the Keyhaven Yacht Club, Grahame Rudkin, said in a notice to members that everyone is deeply concerned.

“It is with grave concern that the Commodore and General Committee inform you that Hugh Carter, a member of Keyhaven YC, has been declared missing. He was last seen leaving the Clubhouse at 2144 on Sunday 6 November. As many of you know he lives on his boat, Norisle, at the entrance to the river,” he said.

“The Police and coastguard were contacted early Monday morning (7 November, 2016) after Hugh’s dinghy was found by the Castle beach,” explained Rudkin.

“After an extensive search of the whole area by the RNLI, Coastguard, Police and Club members there was still no sign of Hugh,” he continued.

“The authorities and Club members continued their search throughout the week and weekend but as yet have no firm news. As soon as any news comes in I will let you know,” stated the commodore.

Hampshire Police said they are continuing their search for Carter, and have mobilised different units, including the force’s Marine Unit.

Volunteers from Hampshire Search and Rescue have also been involved.

Carter, who was a former commodore of the Lymington Town Sailing Club, was also a committee member of the Friends of Hurst Castle.

The sailor was last seen wearing yellow oil skin trousers and jacket, and was holding his Breton fisherman’s cap. He has grey hair and a trimmed grey beard.

German bomb towed out of Portsmouth Harbour

An unexploded World War Two bomb has been removed from Portsmouth Harbour after it was discovered early this morning.