Police have launched an investigation into the death of experienced sailor Steve Cummings, who died on Wednesday morning after his boat sank.

The 66-year-old American had set sail from his home on the west coast of Florida intending to sail across the Atlantic and meet up with his wife on the Mediterranean island of Malta.

But he was forced to divert to Bermuda after his 65ft former US Army tug boat developed mechanical problems. He left the Island earlier this week, but shortly after midnight on Wednesday he sent out a May Day call from waters off the North Shore in the area of Black Watch Pass.

A rescue mission was launched but failed to find the stricken vessel. Mr Cummings’ body was discovered along the shoreline of Shelly Bay later that morning.

“An autopsy is scheduled in due course and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of Mr. Cummings is ongoing,” a police spokesman said.

The spokesman added that a local salvage company, in coordination with Marine and Ports, was assessing how the sunken vessel — Silent Thunder — could be floated.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Cummings or who may have interacted with him prior to midnight Wednesday should contact the investigating officer Marine Unit Constable Sean Wheatley directly on 247-1515.