British eco-entrepreneur, 34, drowns after a storm smashes into yacht during a trip with her partner and a friend researching ocean plastic off the coast of South Africa
- Sara King, 34, is thought to have become trapped in the sinking catamaran
- Rescuers saved partner James Elsworth, 33, and 31-year-old friend Jason Baker
- Terrier-cross dog called Dax was also saved but Ms King could not be revived
A British entrepreneur has drowned after a storm smashed into her yacht during a mission researching ocean plastic.
Sara King, 34, is thought to have become trapped in the sinking catamaran off the coast of South Africa.
Rescuers were able to save her partner James Elsworth, 33, and his 31-year-old friend Jason Baker, but Ms King could not be revived. Their dog, a terrier-cross called Dax, survived.
Sara King, 34, (left; and right, with her partner James Elsworth, 33) is thought to have become trapped in the sinking catamaran off the coast of South Africa
They set off from East London on Friday and by Monday their 48-ft boat was 240 miles out to sea
A source told The Sun: ‘It’s the most awful tragedy that’s ended the life of a young woman who loved the world and had everything to live for.’
Ms King was the co-founder of Evolve Abroad, which provided trips abroad offering training in skills ranging from marine biology to conflict resolution.
They had been heading to Madagascar as part of a research expedition on microplastics backed by the University of Birmingham.
They set off from East London on Friday and by Monday their 48-ft boat was 240 miles out to sea.
The National Sea Rescue Institute of South Africa said her boat was hit by a ‘severe storm and massive surf’ at around 3pm on Monday.
Ms King was the co-founder of Evolve Abroad, which provided trips abroad offering training in skills ranging from marine biology to conflict resolution
Mr Elsworth (left) with his 31-year-old friend Jason Baker, who was also on the catamaran
The National Sea Rescue Institute of South Africa said Ms King’s boat was hit by a ‘severe storm and massive surf’ at around 3pm on Monday. She is pictured with Mr Elsworth
Ms King had been posting updates on her Instagram page.
In her final video taken on board the boat, she said: ‘Winds up – sails out. The highs and lows can make you scream – wild coast: you magnificent beast.’
Officials are still investigating how Ms King died.
No posts have gone up on Evolve Abroad’s social media channels referencing Ms King’s death.
No posts have gone up on Evolve Abroad’s social media channels referencing Ms King’s death
A source said: ‘It’s the most awful tragedy that’s ended the life of a young woman who loved the world and had everything to live for’