Man, 51, dies after family rescued from sea off Hampshire Beach while paddleboarding

A man has died after a family had to be rescued after getting into difficulties while paddleboarding off a Hampshire beach.

Lifeboats were scrambled after reports of the family in difficulty off Lepe Beach on Saturday afternoon, the RNLI said.

Crews rescued two teenagers and a woman, and a man was airlifted to hospital.

Hampshire Police confirmed that a 51-year-old man was taken to Southampton General Hospital but was pronounced dead.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, police said.

According to one report, the family were using inflatable paddleboards that had been launched from a motor cruiser.

A statement from the RNLI said: "RNLI lifeboats from Calshot and Cowes were launched yesterday afternoon (Saturday 28 August) following reports of a family in difficulty during a paddle boarding incident off Lepe Beach.

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"Calshot RNLI lifeboat Atlantic 85 lifeboat was paged at 2.10pm. The volunteer crew arrived to offer assistance to two teenagers and a lady.

"A fourth male casualty was being airlifted to hospital when the lifeboat arrived."

It said a lifeboat was launched from Cowes as well to help during the incident.

In a statement, Hampshire Police said: "We were called at 3.54pm yesterday afternoon (Saturday 28 August) to a report that a man was unconscious in the sea at Lepe Beach, Exbury.

"The 51-year-old man was transported to Southampton General Hospital but despite the best efforts of emergency services was pronounced dead.

"Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the man's death."

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