The Maritime & Coastguard Ageny’c figures for rescues around the UK in 2004 show that the highest figure of lives lost was in the Solent where 47 people died.

But then the area had the highest number of incidents – 1,561 and the highest number of persons assisted – 2,233.

Suicides throughout the UK were up by a worrying 50 per cent – 176 – as against 118 in 2003.