POLICE HAVE launched a murder investigation after a British man was found dead aboard his burning yacht off the coast of St Vincent.
According to reports, sailing instructor, John Edward Garner, 53, was discovered with head and leg injuries after the coastguard responded to reports that a yacht was on fire in the Caribbean Sea.
Garner was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital yesterday afternoon (Mar 27).
Police are allegedly now searching for Heidi Hukkelaas - a woman they believe to be the victim’s Norwegian wife – who he flew to St Vincent with on January 19 this year.
However, reports have said that Hukkelaas actually left her partner two days previously, to return to Norway to look after her children, as planned.
Kay Wilson, who owns Indigo Watersports in St Vincent, and is originally from Bristol, said she was taking a boat trip full of guests, when she saw smoke on the horizon and went to investigate, reported the Mail Online this morning.
She said she and her crew discovered Garner's body floating in the water wearing a life jacket, with “severe lacerations” to his face and legs.
According to Wilson, a burning life-raft was found close to the yacht. She also discovered Garner’s passport and personal documents in a waterproof 'grab bag' - a tool commonly used by yachtsman in case of emergency.
St Vincent police commissioner Michael Charles said: “We are treating the death as suspicious and are looking at all lines of inquiry.
“We suspect foul play and will investigate the matter fully.”
“Miss Hukkelaas is a person of interest and as with every murder investigation we have to look at everyone and everything and will leave no stones unturned.”
According to reports, officers have said that checks revealed Hukkelaas had not left the country via any of the island’s main airports or seaports.
The commissioner refused to confirm her nationality or relationship to the deceased last night.
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