A man in his 70s has died after being hurled into the side of a moored yacht during a windsurfing accident in Dorset. The pensioner was reportedly lifted out of the water by a sudden gust of wind while kite surfing in Portland Harbour and slammed into the vessel’s hull. He was pulled from the sea and brought to the jetty, but was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor.

Emergency services, including the coastguard, lifeboat crews, and paramedics, rushed to the scene shortly after 1.35pm on Tuesday, as winds in the area hit up to 35mph. A spokesperson for Weymouth RNLI said: “A yacht anchored in the harbour reported a kite surfer in difficulty to the Coastguard. The man was brought to the jetty where first aid was given by harbour staff and RNLI crew, but he was sadly pronounced dead by a doctor on scene.”

Dorset Police confirmed they had received a call at 1:52pm raising concern for two men in the water. One of them, said to be in his 70s, could not be saved.

A spokesperson said: “Emergency services attended and very sadly one of the men, aged in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His death is not being treated as suspicious and his family has been informed. Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

The second person involved in the incident was treated by paramedics and remains in the care of the ambulance service.

The tragedy unfolded in Portland Harbour, a well-known spot for windsurfing and kite surfing which hosted Olympic sailing events during London 2012.

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