Atlantic yachtsman lost in storm

For Eric and Mamie Hitchcock, of Homelands Close, horror arrived with a call by satellite phone from their younger son, David, 47, on Saturday that his 52 year-old brother Philip had been washed overboard in mid-Atlantic and that in 30ft waves he couldn't get his body back on board his yacht.

The brothers were taking part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers from Gran Canaria to St Lucia.

Their yacht sent out a Mayday distress call at 12.30pm on Saturday. Other yachts in the sailing event were diverted to help the brothers but had difficulty reaching them due to the storm.

A rescue helicopter could not be used because the accident happened too far away from shore.

Mamie Hitchcock told the Observer: "It was Saturday afternoon, about tea-time. Kent Police came down to say that Phil was dead. He had fallen overboard.

"He had his life strap on but he had suffered a massive heart attack.

"David had got him into the yacht's dinghy. But the sea was so rough that he couldn't get Phil back on board the yacht."

The brother's father, Royal Naval veteran Peter Hitchcock, said: "David was struggling to get him back aboard but Phil was over 17 stones and it was too rough to get him back into the boat. " continued p5

"David had got in touch with the police via his satellite phone. He was telling them that he couldn't keep hold of the body any more.

"The waves were smashing the dinghy to bits. The police suggested that he let Philip go and save himself.

"The police were here and we got David on the phone. He was so upset he could hardly speak.

"I said 'Don't let him go if you can help it..'

"He said 'I have to let him go....'

"The police officer here said 'Save yourself. You have to let him go...'

"David's life was at risk. We didn't want to lose two sons - one is bad enough.

"I spoke to him again later that night. He had managed to get a satellite beacon aboard the dinghy. But we don't know what's happened to the dinghy. It may have broken up by now."

Phil's mother said: "They were both keen sailors, though they had only been doing it for seven or eight years. Phil had his own little boat at Rochester."

Phil Hitchcock's parents have both been keen sailors and are members of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association locally.

Peter Hitchcock said: "It is ironic. David did the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers in 1999 in another boat. That time there was no wind. He was becalmed...

"Phil only had about 18 months to go in the police. He was planning to move to Spain and live on the boat."

Mamie Hitchcock is taking comfort in the fact that her son died doing something he loved.

She said: "You have to live your life to the full. I have always told my sons that - 'Do what you want to do.'

"I just want him found now and brought back."

Peter Hitchcock said: "Our only hope is that an aircraft will fly over and pick up the satellite beacon.

"There were 30ft waves when it happened. David said there were still 20ft waves last night. You could hear it all banging about."

Phil's mother said: "He was a marvellous son, very much loved by everyone. He'd never given us a moment's trouble."

Phil Hitchcock lived at Kemsing near Sevenoaks. He leaves sons Jonathon, 24, and Matthew, 23. David is a retired property developer.

Kent Police said on Tuesday: "It is unclear exactly what happened but David is making for St Lucia, some four days away."

FELLOW officers this week paid tribute to their colleague and friend,.

Phil Hitchcock had been a police officer for 27 years, most spent working with the Traffic Division.

Tactical Operations Chief Inspector Jerry Price said: "All of Phil's colleague in Traffic are devastated.

"Phil was an upbeat, positive and supportive individual who was dedicated to his work.

"He'll be sadly missed. Our thoughts go to his family who have had a dreadful few days of uncertainty, offering them as much support as possible and we will continue to do so for as long as is necessary."

Traffic Sergeant Gary Fitall said: "Phil had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed. He was such a very good friend and an excellent police officer."

Kent Police said Phil Hitchcock has always wanted to be part of the Atlantic Rally, organised by the World Cruising Association. He had got his chance this year skippering brother David's yacht, a 53ft Formosa ketch named Toutazimut.

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers started from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, on Sunday, November 24. It is said to be the largest trans-ocean sailing event in the world. Yachts including Global Challenge boats as well as family cruisers take part in the event, the first finish in two weeks and slower craft in four.