Shock after father dies saving his daughter at Kielder

Jul 14 2009 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

A COMMUNITY is in shock after a father died trying to save his teenage daughter after a boating accident.

Geoff Wilkinson, 52, frantically fought to save his 17-year-old daughter, Victoria, when their dinghy capsized during a race and she became entangled in the rigging. Despite being pulled to safety by a rescue boat, at Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland, and attempts to revive him, the father-of-three died later in hospital.

Victoria, who lives in Kirkwhelpington, Northumberland, remains in hospital fighting for her life. The pair were taking part in a race organised by Kielder Water Sailing Club on Europe’s largest man-made lake, when tragedy struck. It is thought their Laser Stratos dinghy toppled over after it was hit by a gust of wind.

Mr Wilkinson’s wife Catherine, who is a GP in Scots Gap, Northumberland, was too devastated to talk yesterday.

Neighbours from their village spoke of their shock and sadness after hearing about the accident.

A pensioner, who didn’t want to be named, said her thoughts were with the family. The 63-year-old woman said: “It is absolutely terrible that this has happened.

“I don’t know them really well but we do have friendly chats every now and again. I’m sure that everyone will be very sad to hear about it as they are a lovely family.

“They must be in great shock and unable to believe it. I hope their daughter pulls through.”