A young father died tragically last night after he is believed to have slipped and fallen off his boat while his wife stood watching just yards away.

The 38-year-old Hamilton Parish man was standing in his boat at the wharf of Rocky Hill Bay in St. George's, talking to his wife as she stood on land nearby, when he fell into the water at about 8 p.m.

Calls were immediately made to Marine Police, and officers rushed to the scene to carry out a detailed search of the area, but the man was not found alive.

His body was eventually found at 9.45 p.m., and he was rushed by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10.45 p.m.

Police Media spokesman Dwayne Caines was at the hospital last night, but refused to release the dead man's name until all of his relatives had been notified.

But he confirmed that he was a father and said the Coroner was likely to be informed.

"Police are still investigating the facts surrounding the incident, but it appears that a young father died tragically," said Mr. Caines. "From what we know, he was on his boat when it appears that he lost his footing and fell into the water at Rocky Hill Bay.

"It appears he was at the wharf on his boat and his wife was on land nearby. They were in conversation when he fell over.

"Marine Police were called and his body was pulled out of the water at 9.45 p.m. He was pronounced dead an hour later."

Mr. Caines said details into the incident were sketchy last night, but said further statements would be made by Police later today.

Anyone with information should call Police on 295-0011.