Boss feared dead after yacht tragedy
A company director from near Wolverhampton was feared dead today after falling into the Pacific Ocean while sailing back to Britain with his partner.
Luke Stimson, from Shifnal, was returning home from Japan to England but plunged into the water almost 500 miles from land at around 11.30pm on Saturday. US coastguards were still searching today.
The 38-year-old was the Asian director of Albrighton-based David Austin Roses in Japan for the past three years and was understood to be on the trip with his fiancée Laura Vernon.
She was hoisted from the 38-foot-yacht by a rescue helicopter at 5am on Sunday.
The Coast Guard said it was unclear how Mr Stimson, who was conscious and wearing a life jacket, fell overboard in conditions which were not particularly bad.
The vessel, believed to be privately owned, was about 2,000 miles west of the Hawaiian island of Oahu and 500 miles west of the remote Midway Atoll at the time.
Navy helicopters and the Coast Guard along with warship USS Peleliu, which was diverted by the Navy to assist, have been deployed in the search.
Stunned colleagues today spoke of their shock. One worker told the Express & Star: "We've all been left on the floor by this news. All that knew him are in complete shock. He lived in Shifnal but moved to Japan and would pop in and see us when he was back as we're only in Albrighton."
Before his trip Mr Stimson sent a picture of himself standing next to his yacht 'Jonetsu' to family and friends.
A statement from David Austin Roses said: "We are a very close company and all know Luke well, so it is a very worrying time.
"Our thoughts are with his family and we are hoping against hope that he will be found soon. He is a truly remarkable person and a much-valued employee."
Mr Stimson and Ms Vernon were the only two people on the yacht, with Ms Vernon described as an inexperienced sailor.
The Pacific News Centre website said there were winds of 25mph and 6ft waves at the time Mr Stimson fell overboard.
The yacht is now on its own in the ocean because the warship has no way to secure it. Navy crew members have put a tracking device on it and turned on its navigation lights.
