Solo Sailor Suicide not Overboard

by Cruising Editor/Baltimore Sun on 22 Jun 2006 We reported last week that prominent US former publisher and diplomat had apparently fallen overboard and drowned. Such reports are useful to remind short handed crews of the importance of on board safety systems. However, sadly, the family has now announced that Philip Merrill took his own life.

The Baltimore Sun reported that Merrill, whose June 10 disappearance on a lone sailing trip prompted an intensive search had apparently committed suicide, the family said Tuesday.

'During the course of the investigation into the disappearance of Phil, we have come to learn that the events that occurred on June 10 were in all likelihood the result of his own efforts to take his life,' said a family statement.

A law enforcement source said Merrill, 72, had apparently suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to the family, Merrill 'underwent significant heart surgery over a year ago and was on several medications.' The family said they had noticed 'his spirit had dimmed' and he 'was fatigued and unmotivated.'