Tragic death of Tim Atkinson at the Laser 4000 nationals
by Laser 4000 Class / SCYC 31 Jul 2007 15:19 BST
30 July 2007
It is with much regret that the Laser 4000 Class Association and South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club must announce the tragic death of Tim Atkinson, a sailor competing in the Laser 4000 Nationals. The accident happened at approximately 1430 on Monday 30 July whilst sailing in Tremadoc Bay near Abersoch. The deepest sympathy is extended to all his family and friends by the Class Association and the Yacht Club.
The Laser 4000 Class Association held a meeting of all competitors yesterday evening, Monday 30th July, and decided to continue the National Championships, a decision fully supported by the South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club. A minute’s silence was observed on the Middle Deck at the Yacht Club this morning, Tuesday 31st July, at 10 am, with a black flag being hoisted on the flagstaff, and racing was postponed until 12 noon.
The Laser 4000 Class Association would like to thank all the safety boat crews, the Abersoch Lifeboat and the paramedics that treated Tim for all their assistance at this difficult time. There will be a collection for the RNLI for those that wish to contribute.
Mr Atkinson, 48, traveled to the event from County Down, Northern Ireland, with friends whom he had sailed with before.
The Police, Coastguard and Marine Accident Investigation Board will now conduct a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to this tragic accident and the Yacht Club and Laser 4000 Class Association will be assisting in any practical way they can. The findings of any such investigation will be incorporated into future sailing events.
At this time it would be appreciated if all further enquiries were directed to these Authorities in the first instance. It is not intended to issue further statements from the Association or Yacht Club.