Island Youth Project

Hampshire constabulary is now in a position to release the identity of a teenager who died in the Solent on Sunday May 2.

Jonathan Martin, 14 of Shadoxhurst, Ashford was one of a number of Sea Cadets aboard the training ship TS Royalist. The ship had sailed out to Stokes Bay, when at about 8.30pm, Jonathan fell from rigging into the water. He was recovered by a lifeboat and taken by helicopter to Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, where he was pronounced dead.

Hampshire Constabulary is preparing a file on behalf of the coroner and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch are leading on the investigation.

Jonathan’s family has released the following statement: “Jonathan was a wonderful son and grandson who tragically died whilst doing something that he loved.

“He was a popular young man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“We ask that the family are given space and time to come to the terms with their loss. In relation to the accident, it is being investigated and we have no further comment to make.”