A "much-loved" man in his 50s died after going overboard while yachting two miles off the coast.

A huge emergency response was launched in the sea off Ramsgate yesterday afternoon, after reports of a person in the water.

An air ambulance and Coastguard helicopter were scrambled to the scene and two RNLI lifeboats launched just after 1pm.

Police have this morning confirmed that a man in his 50s was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

The man had been sailing in Ramsgate Week – a week-long "friendly regatta" organised by Royal Temple Yacht Club – when the tragedy happened.

Commodore Martin Morgans has this morning paid tribute to the man as a "much-loved and respected" member of the club's racing fleet.

He said: "Sadly yesterday, there was an incident on the water which led to the tragic death of a much-loved and respected member of our racing fleet.

"Only one vessel was involved.

"Our thoughts are with his family, crew and friends who are understandably shocked.

"We remained available last night to support those who needed it.

"Today, after a short service of remembrance, racing will continue.

"We do so with heavy hearts but in the belief that is what he would have wanted us to do. We ask that our sailing family is given the space to grieve and recover."

An RNLI spokesman yesterday told how the man had been pulled from the sea by his crew members, and brought back onto the yacht by the time they arrived on scene.

They said: "The Ramsgate inshore lifeboat (ILB) went alongside the yacht, and RNLI volunteer crew members assisted with the casualty.

"A short time later a paramedic from a Coastguard helicopter was winched aboard the Ramsgate RNLI all-weather lifeboat, then transferred onto the ILB and taken to the yacht.

"The yacht was then brought into Ramsgate Harbour where the casualty was placed in the care of ambulance crews."

Police have confirmed the man's death is not being treated as suspicious, and that a report will be prepared for the coroner.