Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Couple rescued from sea crash

Simon Mason
Tuesday 06 April 1999 00:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A WEALTHY art dealer and his pregnant wife were pulled from the sea yesterday 90 minutes after their helicopter crashed in dense fog.

Paul Burgess, 37, and his wife Lisa, 27, were flying home from Teignmouth, Devon, to Denham, Buckinghamshire, in a Jet Ranger helicopter when they lost contact with radar crew on the ground shortly before noon.

Their last known position was two miles south of Lyme Bay, Dorset, and a search was immediately launched by Portland coastguard.

The crews of two local fishing vessels - described by the coastguard spokesman as "absolutely wonderful" - also responded to the mayday alert. One of the fishing crews found the couple in the water less than a mile south of Charmouth, Dorset. A lifeboat took them to Lyme Regis.

Both were suffering from hypothermia and shock after spending one and a half hours in the water at temperatures of less than 9C. Last night they were recovering at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, but were expected to be released soon.

The helicopter has been removed from the water and is under police guard. There are believed to have been a number of paintings on board, some of which were lost in the sea.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in