Police Confirm Death Of Mark Whayman
[Updated: Police have now confirmed the death of 53 year old Mark Whayman.]
Late last night [Sept 21] a sailboat with seven people onboard ran aground in Castle Harbour, and according to a statement from the BMOC, the skipper dove into the water and knocked himself unconscious. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene and the injured man was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “Bermuda Radio received a 911 call from a local sailing vessel with seven persons onboard which had run aground in Castle Harbour.
“The vessel navigated into shallow water at a small beach on Castle Point where all persons made it ashore. The caller reported the Skipper dove into the water and had knocked himself unconscious.
“The caller was unable to say with certainty whether or not the Skipper was unconscious as they awaited assistance on the beach.
“Bermuda Radio requested the caller find the boat’s VHF radio and transmit on VHF 16 to confirm their position by direction finding.
“Police and Emergency Services were dispatched to the scene and the injured person was taken to the Hospital by ambulance.”"
Update 10.10am: We are expecting to receive additional information later on from officials, and will update with that when able. In the meantime, comments are being strictly moderated.
Update 12.46pm: The police have now confirmed the death of 53 year old Mark Whayman of St. George’s.
A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 53 year old Mark Whayman of St. George’s, who was involved in a reported marine incident that occurred around 11:30pm Sunday, September 21st in the Castle Harbour area.
“He was subsequently pronounced dead at 12:25am Monday, September 22nd at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Whayman are the subject of an ongoing investigation, however foul play is not suspected.
“The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to Mr. Whayman’s family & friends.”
Update 2.18pm: The 53 year old St. George’s resident was an experienced mariner, and was very well known throughout both the watersport and east end communities.
Mr. Whayman offered sightseeing excursions on his 40′ Bristol Sloop “Sand Dollar”, with the the Sand Dollar cruise website describing him by saying, “Mark Whayman has sailed, entertained & catered for corporate & private clients since 1986.”
One visitor left a glowing review about him on Trip Advisor, saying, “Sailing aboard the Sand Dollar is an incredible way to enjoy and explore Bermuda at it’s best!
“Captain Mark Whayman is a great host and knows all the secrets of the island,”the review added, while another Trip Advisor review called their boat tour with Captain Whayman a “wonderful experience” and “highly recommended.”
Photo courtesy of Sanddollarcruises.com:
Another online review described going on an excursion to the Castle Harbour area, calling Captain Whayman a “heck of a nice guy” who was “super knowledgeable about the area.”
Philip Anderson, who manages the St George’s Visitor Information Centre, said, “Mark was a part of the east end watersport family, and an avid sailor.
“He was also a part of the St. George’s group who used to sail down to the Caribbean. In fact, he was planning on going down to the Caribbean this year with his sailboat.
Mr Anderson said, “Mark had been sailing the Castle Harbour waters probably since the 1980s. He was one who knew the Castle Harbour waters better than probably anybody in the watersport industry.”
“In fact, if you had questions about Castle Harbour you would call up Mark to see what he thought. Was it good to go, was it not good to go, how was the reef out there…..this was the guy you called.”
“He will be a great loss to our watersports in St. George’s,” said Mr. Anderson. “He is a great loss…”
St. George’s South MP Suzann Roberts-Holshouser said, “The community is extremely saddened to have learned of the death of Mark Whayman…a lover of the ocean, who just celebrated his birthday. He will be sadly missed.”
“It’s one of those things you don’t expect,” added Ms. Roberts-Holshouser added. “It is a very sad time for his family and he will be greatly missed.”
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Category: Accidents and fires, All, News
Very sad.
Knew his family from many years ago.
Condolences to his family.
Really nice guy. Really nice family. My sincerest condolences.
RIP..
He was a good friend. He will be sorely missed.
this is very sad news. My thoughts are with the family during these trying times.
Mark was a familiar sight in St. Davids. Sailing or in his bright yellow banana boat.
How very very sad and unfortunate to have happened on a lovely day having a lovely time. Condolences to his family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sorry learning this latest report in reference to this mans death. I wish to extend my condolence to friends and family
So sad. Mark was a heck of a nice guy & a true Bermuda ambassador on the water.
I can’t believe it. Mark was such a positive upbeat personality. A big loss for Bermuda. My condolences to his family and friends.
gosh this is so sad
I was told of this tragedy some hour in the morning by Marks cousin Bruce, to say I was stunned and saddened to hear of Marks loss would be an understatement.
My brother and I spoke to Mark just last week Sunday as the Sand Dollar cruised out of Gunners Bay most likely on the way to his favorite grounds Castle Island.
I am glad that he had people to assist him in his moment of need.
I need not say much about the type of person Mark was other than to say he was a man of the ocean with a heart of gold. Still remember putting about in his punt at Chapel of Ease dock as kids.
Recently he called me his brother and that he was.
RIP Peanuts
Condolences to Mr. Whayman’s family and friends, the first time I met him was last Good Friday at St David’s County Cricket Club “Lord’s” he was very easy to chat with he had plenty of jokes which bought much laughter and very proud of his much beloved “Sanddollar”
So, so sorry to hear this terrible news about Mark. He was the consummate Bermudian… very laid back with a good sense of humour. I’m sorry I won’t see him around anymore. My condolences to his family and friends.
My condolences to the famly and friends of mark…
This really hurts…..my heart goes out to Mark, his family and friends – what a tragedy this is. Mark – so down to earth, easy going, a good guy and an ambassador for our Island…. I am so very sorry we have lost him. We will all miss his sunny disposition and genuine kindness….a terrible tragedy…
One of the kindest, most gentle people I have ever had the opportunity to know. If only there were not more Marks out there, the world would be better for it. He was a true Bermudian and heck of a human being. I will miss him for as long as I live. Mark you will never be forgotten.
I,m so sorry to here of Marks passing,he was a great person and will be sorely miss.
The Marriott Castle Harbor Concierge Girl’s loved dealing with Mark. He was always a professional and had a good sense of humor. Castle Harbor waters will not be the same without him sailing through. Condolences to his family.
Very sad. RIP Mark.
My deepest condolences to Mark’s family. Such sad news!
So sad to hear of this, He will be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family & friends.
This is very sad. Our prayers go out to the family.
Oh dear Mark we will miss you. A gentle soul who lived a good life and has passed too soon.
We are presently in the Bahamas and have learned the sad news. We developed a warm relationship with Mark over the years and during my sickness he assisted me greatly on my sailboat the great pretender and my wife and I would occasionally take him and pick him up from the airport when he travelled. We loved him and appreciated him and our sympathies go to his family.
Marky mark…RIP
So sad to hear of my good mates passing. We grew up on Chapel of Ease and we would all swim at Church Wharf, spent many a day with Peanuts rowing and fishing in his punt. Back in the day we spent many a memorable holiday/weekend rafting up with him and our crew especially on my mates boat The Silver Dollar.
I always looked forward to seeing him out at Castles and we would always pay each other a visit. He will be sadly missed by many.
My condolences to the family.
So sad to hear this tragic news about Mark, his dad, Eddie What man, lived next to my parents in St. Davids, so I have known Mark aka Peanuts most of my life. So, so sad, sincere sympathies to his family.
Typo……Mark Whayman.
Mark and I first struck up a great friendship while sailing south to St Martin on my sailboat Bermudian Escape in 2007. Mark’s knowledge of the sea and passage making skills were second to none and yet there was always a joke to tell and a smile to give. Since then he was the most generous and kind friend. I will miss him greatly. My condolences to the family.
We were shocked and saddened to hear the terrible news about Mark out here in BC. What a horrible shock for all who loved him. Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends at this very sad time. A life taken way too soon.
What a terrible tragedy. My condolences to Mark’s family. I have not seen him for some years, but remember him very fondly.
Wonderful kind hearted man
RIP Mark you certainly will be missed..
Heartfelt sympathy to his family. Also to his friends and the community of St. George’s.
A terrible tragedy, we are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Mark’s death.
What a lovely and generous man! Wonderful joker always quick to make you smile. Also so happy to help in anyway. This is a terrible loss to his family, friends, community and to Bermuda’s tourism industry. Mark is a gentle man who will be greatly missed by many.