A YACHT owner has been found dead on his boat by Whitstable lifeboat crews.

The man’s body was found after coastguards diverted the Oxford Town and Gown as it returned from an exercise.

They were concerned about a yacht moored in the eastern Swale near Shellness which had been anchored for some time.

When crews arrived at the scene at about 1pm on Wednesday they discovered the body, thought to be attached to the yacht by a safety line.

Police are investigating but are not treating the incident as suspicious. The man is thought to have been in his 60s.

Lifeboat spokesman Chris Davey said: “While returning from an exercise at Harty Ferry, the lifeboat was asked by Thames Coastgaurd to investigate a small yacht in the vicinity of the Pollard Spit in the eastern Swale because it had been anchored for some time.

“On arrival at the yacht, a body was found in the vicinity. It was recovered and brought ashore by the lifeboat. The lifeboat then returned to the yacht and towed it to the harbour.”

The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be held.