A WINDSURFER who got in difficulty at sea has died.

The man, believed to be 72-years-old, was windsurfing near Redcar, East Cleveland, when he was reported missing at about 2.15pm on Friday, May 9.

A 52-year-old kitesurfer, who is also a firefighter, found the man and took him to shore by the time emergency services arrived.

He was unconscious and taken to James Cook University Hospital and put into intensive care, but a spokesman for the RNLI confirmed he died yesterday, Saturday.

He said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned that the windsurfer rescued yesterday has not survived his ordeal.

"Our condolences go to his family and friends and our thoughts are with everyone involved in this sad event."