IT emerged today that a voyage which turned to tragedy with the skipper's death was also his family's farewell to the boat.Father-of-three James Vinten, of Aspall Road, Debenham was sailing with his wife and children when he suffered a heart attack on board his boat, Sea Wind II.

IT emerged today that a voyage which turned to tragedy with the skipper's death was also his family's farewell to the boat.

Father-of-three James Vinten, of Aspall Road, Debenham was sailing with his wife and children when he suffered a heart attack on board his boat, Sea Wind II.

His family tried in vain to resuscitate him while they waited for the air sea rescue helicopter to arrive and airlift him off the 40 ft vessel which was anchored off Levington Marina on Sunday.

The Wattisham-based helicopter was able to lift Mr Vinten off the vessel within 19 minutes of the emergency call being made.

The 43-year-old was taken by ambulance to the accident and emergency department at Ipswich Hospital but died on arrival.

It is believed the family trip had been arranged as the last voyage on the yacht which had been sold and was due to be handed on to its new owner.

The boat is currently moored at Martlesham Creek.