THIS WEEK IN 1988: Woman dies in yacht tragedy

A Hayling lifeboatman was hailed as one of the heroes of a dramatic sea rescue in which one woman died and a man was seriously injured.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Oct 2017, 07:00 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 11:06 BST
Tony Abbey, the man rescued from the storm-lashed yacht, being given treatment aboard the coastguard helicopter on its way to hospitalTony Abbey, the man rescued from the storm-lashed yacht, being given treatment aboard the coastguard helicopter on its way to hospital
Tony Abbey, the man rescued from the storm-lashed yacht, being given treatment aboard the coastguard helicopter on its way to hospital

Lifeboatman Graham Raines plunged into heavy seas in Chichester Harbour to rescue injured yachtsman Tony Abbey, 41, as he disappeared under water.

Both Mr Raines and Mr Abbey were swept under the lifeboat by the force of the heavy swell which had put the yacht in difficulty.

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The vessel carrying six people, had put to sea despite warnings of severe gales issued by coastguards.

Mr Abbey and the woman were swept overboard but the other four crew members managed to stay on the vessel.

Related topics:Chichester Harbour