Regatta cut short by death

Skeld regatta was cut short on Saturday evening with the tragic death of Alan Slater, 63, who lived in Sandwick.

Mr Slater was found in the sea at the Skeld Marina around 7pm. Attempts were made to resuscitate Mr Slater without success before an ambulance arrived and he was taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital.

A marquee concert featuring the Revellers that was due to have taken place on Saturday evening was cancelled as was Sunday’s songs of praise event.

Police chief inspector Eddie Graham said that Mr Slater had been recovered from the water at Skeld. He said that a report had gone to the procurator fiscal and that a post-mortem would determine the cause of death. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

It is understood that Mr Slater fell into the sea from the marina. He had spent most of the day sailing.