Thai Death Yachtsman's Body Found

Linda and Malcolm Robertson were sailing near the island of Koh Dong  
Fishermen in Thailand have found the body of a British yachtsman who was murdered as he sailed with his wife, the Foreign Office said.

It is thought Malcolm Robertson, 64, from Sussex, was beaten and had his throat cut by men who boarded his boat, before throwing his body into the sea.

His wife Linda, 57, was tied up, and dumped below deck during the attack off the Andaman sea coast a week ago.

Mrs Robertson suffered minor injuries and was rescued by a passing boat.

Speaking after the body was found, Mrs Robertson's brother, John Clee, sixty three from Battle, East Sussex, said the family felt a sense of "relief".

"I had a text message from Linda saying how he was identified and how she was now feeling totally drained.

"This sorts a lot of things out. We know that charges of murder can now be laid against those responsible," he said.

"Not only that, but my sister can also bring home her husband and hopefully bring some closure to this whole thing."

Pirate attack

Reports in Thailand said his body was recovered by fishermen about ten nautical miles north of Satun's Lipe Island.

Three Burmese migrants were charged with kidnap, assault and theft, but the Thai authorities said they could not bring a murder charge until they had found Mr Robertson's body.

He and his wife had been sailing near Koh Dong island when their yacht was boarded by pirates as they slept.

Mrs Robertson was held on board their 44 ft vessel for about 10 hours.

Last Friday, she faced the three accused men in court in Thailand, recalling how she feared for her life.

Mr Robertson was the owner of a chain of coffee shops around his home town of Hastings and St Leonards.

The couple, who had been married for 25 years, had two children each from previous relationships and seven grand children between them.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts are with Mrs Robertson and her family at this difficult time.

"The embassy team with them is providing consular support."

Source - BBC News Website