A pensioner died of a heart attack yesterday after falling out of his dinghy while sailing.

Seventy one-year-old Edward Scott, of Elmfield Road, Cross Hills, near Keighley, died in an ambulance after being rescued by coastguards between Fleet-wood and Knot End, Lancashire.

A member of the public called 999 after seeing the pensioner clinging to the side of the boat on the River Wyre at 2pm.

The Knot End coast guard general purpose boat, which was exercising in the area, went straight to the scene and took Mr Scott ashore to a waiting ambulance. But he died on the way to hospital.

Coast Guard Mike Roberts, watch manager at Liverpool, said: "Our sympathies are with the man's family. As yet we have no idea why he fell into the water.

"We would like to commend the first informant for being alert to the man's predicament and calling 999 and the coastguard straight away.

"We would stress the importance of the 999 system in alerting the coast guard, as every minute counts.

"The temperature of the water is so cold at this time of year and hypothermia can set in very quickly.

"The member of the public who called us can be assured that his actions enhanced any chances Mr Scott may have had for survival.''

Mr Roberts said there had been concern for the pensioner's family, who were later too upset to speak to the Telegraph & Argus, as it was thought they were on the boat with him.

Two more lifeboats were launched from Fleetwood but the search was called off when police found Mr Scott's family on shore.

e-mail:ian.midgley-@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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