Police have issued a statement after a man died falling from a yacht in the English channel.

The man went overboard from a sailboat off the coast of Fécamp in the north west of France.

A nearby fishing vessel went to the scene to assisst the man. 

French rescue teams attended including the SNSM 076 all weather boat.

The man was pronounced dead by French rescue teams.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Sussex Police were made aware of a man having sadly died in the English Channel after falling from a yacht in French waters in the early hours of Saturday morning (May 27).

"The incident is understood to have happened at around 2pm on Friday (May 26).

"Police are supporting the Coastguard by offering liaison with the man’s family and will continue to offer support to the relevant agencies while the full circumstances of the situation are established."

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It is believed the sailor was taking part in the Royal Escape Race, an historic yacht race from Brighton Marina to Normandy.

Reportedly, another boater on the same vessel was rescued safely by French rescue teams.

In a statement, a spokesman for Sussex Yacht Club today said: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our fellow sailors yesterday.

"Sussex Yacht Club are working with the Police, Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau to assist with their enquiries.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and supporting our sailors at this difficult time."

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been contacted for comment.