The Maritime & Coastguard Agency incident report for 2002 show that 321 people died – 37 more than in 2001.

The increase in incident numbers – up from 12,514 to 13,395 is ‘entirely due’ to the fact the Coastguard now have more search and rescue operations, namely on the River Thames, Northern Ireland, Loch Ness and the Norfolk Broads.

They also acknowledge the ‘ increased use of the sea in leisure activities.’