Investigations are continuing after a man died when a boat fell on him at a Weymouth harbourside yard.

Police said the person who died was a local man aged in his 50s.

It is understood he was carrying out repairs beneath the 29ft yacht at the Weymouth Sailing Club yard at Nothe Parade when it suddenly toppled over on to him.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Monday afternoon but police say the man sadly died at the scene despite attempts to save him.

Dorset Police have commenced a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive – which investigates accidents in the workplace – to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death.

Officials were seen at the yard yesterday inspecting the boat which was seen to be on its side.

It is understood the man who died was a relatively new resident of Weymouth and member of the sailing club.

Cllr Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said it was a tragic incident adding that his thoughts were with the family and friends of the victim.

He added: “We await more details of exactly what happened.”

Cllr Ian Bruce, chairman of the borough’s harbour management board said that he had been really shocked to learn about the death, and sent his condolences to the family of the man who died.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “At 12.43pm on Monday, April 16 Dorset Police were informed by the ambulance service of an incident at Nothe Steps in Weymouth.

“It was reported that a boat had fallen onto a local man in his 50s. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The Health and Safety Executive and HM Coroner have been notified.”

The spokesman added the man’s next of kin had been informed and that the Health and Safety Executive had been notified, and an investigation into the circumstances of the incident was underway.

In a statement on Monday, Commodore of Weymouth Sailing Club Euan McNair, said: “It is with much regret that I can confirm that there was a serious accident at Weymouth Sailing Club involving a boat in storage ashore and a single person who unfortunately died at the scene.

“I can offer no further information until the next of kin have been informed and the Health and Safety Executive has completed its investigation.”

A police cordon was put in place around the scene while it was investigated.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it had been informed of the fatality and was working with police to establish what happened.