A sailor missing for over a week was found safe and well in his yacht

Trevor Franklin, 84 and an experienced mariner, left Newhaven in East Sussex on his 30-foot ketch, Stardog, on July 1 en-route to France.

He was last spotted in Dover four days later, but had not been seen or heard from since.

An appeal was launched by Sussex Police, who said Mr Franklin had not sailed a yacht for "some years".

On Saturday at around 8pm, Folkestone Coastguard were asked to investigate if his boat was in Folkestone Harbour, and to check if Mr Franklin was on board and well.

A statement from the crew said: "On arrival we could see the yacht moored up and Folkestone Rescue very kindly taxied us out to be able to speak to the owner.

"We were able to confirm he was well, got him to contact relatives and relayed his plans back to Dover CG Operations Centre."

"We were able to confirm he was well and got him to contact relatives..." Folkestone Coastguard

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Missing 84-year-old sailor Trevor Franklin has turned up safe and well.

"The experienced mariner left Newhaven on his boat on July 1 bound for Boulogne, France, and was last seen in Dover on July 4 but had not been seen or in contact since.

"Trevor was found in Folkstone Harbour moored up in his yacht on Saturday night."

Following the discovery of Mr Franklin, crews from the coastguard also provided assistance to a group of boys tombstoning, which is where you jump into the sea from a cliff or other high point.

A spokesman added: "On the way back to the quayside we diverted to speak to some young lads tombstoning, remaining until they left the wall.

"Thank you again Folkestone Rescue and Folkestone Harbour personnel for your assistance."

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