A man in has died and another remains missing following a devastating boat accident near the well-known Southsea Beach in Portsmouth. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 8pm on Thursday, with coastguard rescue teams dispatched from Portsmouth at 8.25pm and from Hill Head at 8.36pm to Tipner. A man from Emsworth in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family has been informed and is receiving support from officers. Another man, also in his 60s and from Havant, is reportedly missing, prompting an ongoing search operation. A third individual, a man in his 50s from West Sussex, was taken to hospital following the incident but has since been discharged.
A helicopter was also seen in operation near Queen Alexandra Hospital during the rescue effort.
Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear, and an investigation is underway.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said in a statement: “Officers are conducting a search following a collision involving a private rigid hulled inflatable boat near Tipner in Portsmouth, which was reported to us shortly before 8pm on Thursday 14 August.
“A man in his 60s from Emsworth was pronounced deceased at the scene. His family have been informed and will be supported by officers.
“A man in his 50s from West Sussex was taken to hospital, but has since been discharged. Enquiries are ongoing to locate a third person, a man in his 60s from Portsmouth, who is still outstanding.
“We are liaising with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) during the early stages of an investigation to establish what has happened.”
Tipner is a residential area in the northwest corner of Portsea Island in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Historically linked to the Royal Navy, the area once housed naval married quarters and is home to a yachting club. Located near Portsmouth Harbour, Tipner is also popular spot for boating and marine activities.
